Many countries make excellent red wines: Austrian Zweigelt or Blaufränkisch, German Pinot Noir and Italian Primitivo. The latter is a very special red wine whose grapes have a very high sugar content. This grape is grown in Italy and California, where it is known as Zinfandel. Below, find out where Primitivo is grown, what makes it so special and what dishes go well with it.

What makes Primitivo so special?

The aroma has a special spiciness of dark forest fruits, cinnamon, black pepper and cloves. This characteristic scent is also due to the double fermentation (doppio passo). In this process, after the first fermentation, the wine is again put in contact with the skins in order to ferment a second time. Since the grape berries ripens quite differently even on the same vine, grapes from several harvest runs are often used for a wine. This results in a mixture of early-ripening, softer aromas and intense facets that make the wine so special. The sugar develops well in growing areas in grapes with stable temperatures and constant exposure to the sun. Thanks to its unmistakable character, the Primitivo is known and loved all over the world.

What are the characteristics of this grape?

In addition to a distinctively spicy aroma reminiscent of cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and dark forest fruits, Primitivo is characterised by its impressive deep red colour. Also typical are berry-sweet aromas such as raspberries, black cherries or blackberries. In addition, there's often a hint of vanilla and chocolate. Primitivo has moderate acidity and tannin content, which is harmoniously integrated into the fruit. All this makes it the ideal wine for many occasions. Wine lovers describe the wine as fruity, powerful and full-bodied and, thanks to the soft tannins, as velvety and very warm on the palate. The alcohol content is also relatively high due to the high proportion of sugar, at 13-15% ABV.

Features of Primitivo at a glance:

• a distinctive spicy aroma reminiscent of cloves, cinnamon, black pepper and dark forest fruits
• berry-sweet aromas
• moderate to high tannin content
• deep red to dark colour
• intense fragrance
• high sugar and alcohol content

Where is Primitivo mainly grown?

The wine is grown in Italy and California, where it is known as Zinfandel. However, Zinfandel and Primitivo are genetically the same strain. The most famous Italian growing area for Primitivo is Manduria in Apulia. World-class wines with the seal "Primitivo di Manduria" come from this area. Here, the ripe berries are made into strong and intense red wines. The origin of the Primitivo grape is uncertain. It is said to be originally from Dalmatia and may have been imported to Puglia over 2000 years ago. Nowadays it is one of the most cultivated grape varieties in Apulia, due to the early ripening and special grape aroma. The grape variety is also extremely popular in the USA. Primitivo is also known by names like Tribidrag or Crljenak Kasteljanski.

Which foods pair best with Primitivo?

Since the wine is very strong in character, spirited and spicy, it pairs well with hearty and substantial dishes and foods. For example, it goes well with spare ribs, pepper steaks, pot roast, game dishes, duck, but also with spicy pasta refined with anchovies and olives. Also try it with Asian dishes, sweet and hot curries and cheese. The aromas of the wine form a good contrast on the palate. In addition, Primitivo is an ideal accompaniment to grilled dishes, hearty stews and terrines.

Conclusion

Primitivo has become an extremely popular grape. It inspires many wine lovers and is a real treat for the palate with its seductive aroma of ripe forest fruits, cloves, cinnamon and pepper as well as its irresistible note of chocolate. With its dark ruby red colour, it's also a visual pleasure. Primitivo is one of the most popular red wine varieties in many European countries. This has a lot to do with what the winemakers of Italy do with it. Primitivos offer a unique taste experience and are excellent food companions.