Primitivo vs Zinfandel - A wine geeks controversy
February, 2014 Filed in: Wine varieties
Okay, here is one of the biggest controversies amongst wine geeks. Is Primitivo the same grape as Zinfandel? Well, go Primitivo in Wikipedia, and we know whatever Wiki says is true, and it will take you to a page saying Zinfandel also known as Primitivo. But others will tell you through DNA fingerprinting they are 2 different but genetically similar grapes. Those in this camp will tell you that both are clones of a Croatian grape called Crijenak.
Those in the “it’s the same grape camp” will tell you that Croatian immigrants brought the grape to America and it became the famous grape of the California wine industry… Zinfandel.
Me, while I find the story mildly interesting, don’t really care. But I love the wine from both grapes. A couple years ago, Winexpert had a Italian Primitivo Limited Edition kits that was fabulous. Very fruit forward, with smoky tastes and soft tannins, almost plummy. Made an excellent pairing with red meats, tomato based meat sauces with pasta and eggplant. I mean c’mon it was Italian.
Well great news, Winexpert’s sister company Vineco has a special edition Italian Primitivo available in February. The juice is from the Puglia region of Italy which is the Achilles tendon of boot shaped Italy. This comes with a high recommendation from the Creative Connoisseur staff.
Those in the “it’s the same grape camp” will tell you that Croatian immigrants brought the grape to America and it became the famous grape of the California wine industry… Zinfandel.
Me, while I find the story mildly interesting, don’t really care. But I love the wine from both grapes. A couple years ago, Winexpert had a Italian Primitivo Limited Edition kits that was fabulous. Very fruit forward, with smoky tastes and soft tannins, almost plummy. Made an excellent pairing with red meats, tomato based meat sauces with pasta and eggplant. I mean c’mon it was Italian.
Well great news, Winexpert’s sister company Vineco has a special edition Italian Primitivo available in February. The juice is from the Puglia region of Italy which is the Achilles tendon of boot shaped Italy. This comes with a high recommendation from the Creative Connoisseur staff.