Primitivo Passitivo (Italy)

Primitivo is a red grape from Puglia on the heel of the Italian boot.

Passitivo is a more concentrated version because the grapes are left to dry.

Typical Flavors


Cherry
Black
Cherry
Plum
Black
Berry
Plum
Black
Plum
Jam
Jam

Raisins
Raisins
Dried Fruit
Dried Fruit
Fig
Fig
Spices
Spices

Oak added Flavors:

Licorice
Licorice
Chocolate
Chocolate
Pepper
Pepper
Cinnamon
Cinnamon

Primitivo Passitivo is known to taste Jammy and Spicy.

Profile

BODYFull
TANNINSMedium - High
FRUITMedium
ACIDITYMedium
Serving temperature:
17-18°C (63-64°F)

Food Pairing


Pasta
Pasta
Ham
Ham
Thai
Spicy Asian
Hamburger
Hamburger

Pork
Pork
Lamb
Lamb
Beef
Beef
Wild Boar
Wild Boar

Primitivo Passitivo pairs well with many types of food.

Italian. Mediterranean. Sweet and Spicy Asian Food.

Pairing Suggestions

Excellent Pairing:
Savory Dishes. Rich Soups. Acidic Sauces. Tomato Sauce.
Rich Pizza. Rich Pasta. Spaghetti Bolognese.
Spiced Chicken. Chicken Teriyaki. Roast Duck.
Rustic Stew. Pork Stew. Wild Boar.
Lamb. Veal. Osso Buco.
Beef. Braised Ox. Grilled Steak.
BBQ. Hamburger. Game. Deer. Venison.
Reindeer. Elk. (in Scandinavia).

Cheese:
Mature Cheeses. Pecorino. Parmigiano. Manchego. Cheddar.

Puglian Specialities:
Melanzane Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan).

About

The name Primitivo translates as "early one" (like Tempranillo in Spanish), and refers to the variety's early-ripening nature. Not to be mistaken with "primitive" or "less refined". Primitivo and Zinfandel is the same grape.

Primitivo Passitivo is a richer version of Primitivo and is obtained by drying the grapes, reminding of Amarone and Valpolicella wines.

Passitivo means dry grapes (raisin = uva passita) and a popular technique is "il giro del picciolo" or twisting the grape stems once the grape has reached ripeness. This process prevents nutrients reaching the berries which are left to dry in the warmest months before harvest. The result is a concentration of flavor and sugar. Read More ...