Wine Grape: Zinfandel (Primitvo)
Known as Primitivo in southern Italy and Zinfandel in the rest of the world, it is a red wine grape of Croatian origins. When it arrived in Italy isn't certain, but some claim it came to Italian shores with Balkan colonists before the 7th century BC. Another theory has Primitivo arriving much later, planted by Benedictine Monks in the 17th century. In either case, the origins of the use of the word 'Primitivo' are clearly from an 18th century priest from Gioia del Colle in Puglia. In Latin, 'primo' means first and he noted that Primitivo ripens very early.
When and how Zinfandel arrived in the United States is much better documented. It was imported to New England from an Austrian nursery in the early 1800s, and was growing in California by the 1850s.
'White Zinfandel' is a pink wine made with red Zinfandel grapes. As with almost all red wine grapes, Zinfandel's flesh is white. After crushing the grapes, the wine maker leaves the juice in contact with the red skins for a short time to absorb some of the color. White Zinfandel is usually sweet, and may include grapes that are more aromatic such as Muscat or Riesling in the blend.
Synonyms
Also known as Primaticcio, Primativo, Primitivo di Gioia, Primitivo Nero, Morellone, Uva di Corato, Uva della Pergola
Where
Italy: Basilicata, Campania, Puglia
USA: California
Also: Australia, Brazil, Portugal, Mexico, South Africa
Principal Wines
Italy: Campania: Falerno del Massico DOC; Basilicata: Matera DOC; Puglia: Gioia del Colle DOC, Primitivo di Manduria DOC
Characteristics
Color: Dark ruby red with purple hues.
Nose: Fruity (lighter versions: raspberry, blackberry, cranberry, strawberry. Fuller versions: black cherry, blackcurrant, prune, raisin), Spicy (anise, black pepper, clove, cinnamon, oregano), Floral (violet, rose), chocolate, cedar
Palate: Full bodied. High in alcohol
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