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Primitivo
Primitivo is a black grape variety primarily grown in Puglia, the heel of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula. It is also known as Zinfandel in California and other parts of the United States, where it is widely grown and used to produce robust, fruity wines.
The name is believed to have come from the latin term primativus, due to its early ripening compared to other Puglian varieties.
Primitivo grapes typically produce wines that are full-bodied and rich in flavour, with highish alcohol content and moderate tannins. The wines are often described as having notes of dark fruit such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum, as well as spices like black pepper and cinnamon.
Primitivo is believed to have originated in Croatia, where it is known as Tribidrag (and Kratosija in North Macedonia), and was later brought to Italy. It has become one of the most important grape varieties of Puglia, where it is often blended with other local grape varieties such as Negroamaro to produce complex and flavourful wines. Primitivo is also sometimes used to produce sweet wines, such as the famous dessert wine Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale.