Primitivo

The Italian twin of Zinfandel, Primitivo is known for its rich, full-bodied wines with bold dark fruit flavors—blackberry, plum, and blueberry—often with spicy and jammy undertones. Thriving in Puglia’s hot climate, it produces wines with high alcohol and soft tannins, making them approachable in youth. Traditional styles can have a rustic, earthy character, while modern winemaking emphasizes ripe fruit and smooth textures. Often compared to its Californian counterpart, it tends to be slightly more structured and less overtly sweet. Primitivo is one of Italy’s most popular reds, delivering robust, fruit-driven expressions with great food-pairing potential.