Primitivo is a red grape variety with deep roots in Puglia, where it has reached one of its highest levels of quality. The most recent genetic studies have traced its origins to an ancient Dalmatian variety, known in Croatia as Tribidrag or Crljenak Kaštelanski, and closely related to Californian Zinfandel. In Puglia, its presence has been documented since at least the late 18th century, when it was selected in the Gioia del Colle area for its particularly early ripening, a characteristic from which its name derives.
The leaf is medium-sized, pentagonal and generally five-lobed, with a slightly tomentose underside and an autumn colouration tending towards dark red. The bunch, of medium size, is conical-cylindrical, simple or winged, and of varying compactness; the berries are spherical, of medium size, with a pruinose blue-black skin, juicy flesh and a vinous juice. It is mainly grown in the hills of Gioia del Colle, the province of Taranto and the Salento region, with renowned examples in the Manduria area.
The wine has an intense ruby colour, often enhanced by violet hues, with aromas of plum, ripe cherry, wild berries and sweet spices. On the palate, it is warm, enveloping and well-structured, with soft tannins, good length and evolving notes of cocoa, liquorice and tobacco. The finest vintages can develop remarkable ageing potential.
