The Wine Reference🍷 SupportPrimitivo grape
Primitivo is a red grape known for blackberry, jam, spice. Its best-known homes are Puglia.
Origin and history
Genetically identical to Zinfandel and Croatia's Tribidrag (Crljenak Kaštelanski); it reached Puglia by the late 1700s, where a priest in Gioia del Colle is credited with selecting it.
Where it grows
Puglia, chiefly Primitivo di Manduria and Gioia del Colle, also Salento IGT; the same vine is grown in California (as Zinfandel) and Croatia.
Structure
Full body, high alcohol (often 14–16%), soft to medium tannins and moderate acidity.
Aromas, young and aged
Young: blackberry jam, black cherry, plum, fig and sweet spice. With age: raisin, dried fig, liquorice and leather.
Ageing
Most best within 2–6 years; the finest Manduria and Gioia del Colle keep 8–12 years.
Also known as
Zinfandel, Tribidrag, Crljenak Kaštelanski.
Good to know
The name comes from 'primo' (first): it ripens early in the season, and Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale is a sweet DOCG made from late-harvested grapes.
Wine regions for Primitivo
Primitivo wines to try
Real bottles from The Wine Library.
Fatalone Primitivo Gioia del Colle
Puglia · Gioia del Colle · Primitivo
Fresh, organic Primitivo: dark fruit and spice.
Food: Pasta, grilled meat
Similar red grapes
Explore all grapes in the interactive guide
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