W3 Wine School

Primitivo (Italy)

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

Primitivo Flavors

Primitivo is known to taste Fruit-Filled and Jammy.

Strawberry
Strawberry
Raspberry
Raspberry
Blackberry
Blackberry
Cranberry
Cranberry
Cherry
Red
Cherry
Cherry
Black
Cherry
Plum
Plum
Jam
Jam

Tertiary Flavors from Aging:

Vanilla
Vanilla
Cinnamon
Cinnamon
Licorice
Licorice
Chocolate
Chocolate

Primitivo Profile

Primitivo is known for Fruity wines with good Concentration and Tannins:

BODY:Medium - Full
TANNINS:Medium - Plus
FRUIT:Medium - Plus
ACIDITY:Medium - High
ALCOHOL:14-15% ABV
Temperature Serving temperature:
16-17°C (61-63°F)

Primitivo Food Pairing

Primitivo pairs well with American, Italian, and Asian Sweet and Spicy food.

Salami
Salami
Ham
Ham
Chili
Chili
Pasta
Indian
Curry
Pasta
Tomato
Pasta
Pizza
Pizza
Lasagna
Lasagna
Hamburger
Hamburger
Turkey
Turkey
Lamb
Lamb
Pork
Pork
Veal
Veal

Excellent Pairings

Acidic Sauces. Tomato Sauce. Indian Curry.
Earthy Veggies. Mushrooms.
Onions. Capers. Eggplant.
Pizza. Tomato Pasta.
Spaghetti Bolognese.
BBQ Meat and Veggies.
Chicken. Pork. Veal. Lamb.
Hamburger. Bacon Cheeseburger.

The Ideal Glass for Primitivo

The Bordeaux Glass was designed for enjoying fuller-bodied, tannic red wines. They are taller than other red wine glasses, and has a slimmer bowl.

The tall size allows the bouquet of the wine to develop, smooth out rough edges, play down tannins, and allow the wine to achieve balance.

The slimmer bowl directs the wine to the back of your mouth for a maximum taste.

If You Like Primitivo

You Might Also Like:

Barbera Superiore (Italy)
Bordeaux Right Bank (France)
Rosso di Montalcino (Italy)
Cannonau (Italy)
Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France)
Chianti Classico (Italy)
Duoro Tinto (Portugal)
Merlot (France)
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (Italy)
Primitivo (Italy)
Ribeira Sacra (Spain)
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Italy)
Zinfandel (USA)

About Primitivo

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".

DNA testing shows that Primitivo and Zinfandel is the same. Read More ...

Taste Primitivo and Zinfandel and discover the Old vs New world wine-making techniques.
Primitivo is less rich and jammy than Californian Zinfandel, it is easier to drink and softer in tannins.
Notice that Primitivo has more Italian minerality and acidity which makes it excellent with tomato based dishes.
Having less alcohol than Zinfandel makes it suitable for afternoon lunches.

DOC - DOCG Regions

Primitivo di Manduria DOC.
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG
Primitivo di Gioia del Colle DOC.

Wine Region Puglia (Apulia)

Aosta

Climate

Puglia has a predominantly Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The region's flat plains, rolling hills, and proximity to the Adriatic and Ionian Seas contribute to a variety of microclimates.

The warmth and abundance of sunlight make Puglia well-suited for grape cultivation.

Black Grapes

White Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon

15% Primitivo
15% Negromamro
15% Sangiovese

Sauvignon

13% Trebbiano


Red Wines

White Wines

Red Wine

Aglianico
Negroamaro
Nero di Troia
Primitivo
Primitivo Passitivo
Sangiovese
Uva di Troia

White Wine

Trebbiano

Rosé Wines:

Negroamaro Rosato
Bombino Nero Rosato

Denominations

Castel del Monte Bombino Nero DOCG
Castel del Monte Nero di Troia Riserva DOCG
Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG

Aleatico di Puglia DOC
Alezio DOC
Barletta DOC
Brindisi DOC
Cacc’è Mmitte di Lucera DOC
Castel del Monte DOC
Castel del Monte Rosso Riserva DOCG
Colline Joniche Tarantine DOC
Copertino DOC
Galatina DOC
Gioia del Colle DOC
Gravina DOC
Leverano DOC
Lizzano DOC
Locorotondo DOC
Martina / Martina Franca DOC
Matino DOC
Moscato di Trani DOC
Nardò DOC
Negroamaro di Terra d’Otranto DOC
Orta Nova DOC
Ostuni DOC
Primitivo di Manduria DOC
Rosso di Cerignola DOC
Salice Salentino DOC
San Severo DOC
Squinzano DOC
Tavoliere delle Puglie / Tavoliere DOC
Terra d’Otranto DOC

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