Primitivo

Primitivo is one of the most representative black grape varieties of Puglia, known for its early ripening and for producing intense, structured red wines with an enveloping character. Grown mainly in the areas of Manduria, Gioia del Colle and Salento, Primitivo gives wines with a fruity, spicy and velvety profile, high alcohol and extraordinary ageing potential.

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Characteristics of the Primitivo Grape Variety

Agronomic Aspects

• Origin: Apulia, southern Italy.
• Climate: Warm Mediterranean, with dry, breezy summers.
• Soil: Mainly limestone, clay and sand, with good drainage.

Grape Characteristics

• Berry: Medium, with thick skin and deep blue-black colour.
• Aromatic profile: Fruity and spicy, with notes of ripe fruit, cocoa, liquorice and tobacco.

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Wines Made from Primitivo

Colour

• Red: Deep ruby red with purple highlights in the young wines, garnet in the aged wines.

Aromas

• Fruity: Plum, black cherry, blackberry, sour cherry and red fruit jam.
• Spicy: Black pepper, cinnamon, liquorice and cocoa.
• Balsamic: Notes of eucalyptus, mint and sweet tobacco.
• Mineral: Ferrous and damp-earth hints in the more structured wines.

Palate

• Enveloping and warm: High alcohol and soft tannins.
• Structured and lingering: With a long, spicy finish.
• Balanced and rounded: Perfect harmony between fruit, acidity and alcohol.

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Growing Areas

The Primitivo is grown mainly in Puglia, with particularly well-suited areas such as:

• Manduria: Famous for the Primitivo di Manduria DOC  and DOCG, with powerful, long-lived wines.
• Gioia del Colle: Production of fresher, more mineral wines.
• Salento: Fruity, soft expressions, ideal for drinking young.

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Types of Primitivo-Based Wine

• Primitivo Secco: Structured and spicy, perfect for ageing.
• Primitivo Dolce Naturale: Enveloping and rich, with notes of dried fruit and honey.
• Primitivo Riserva: Aged in wood, with complex aromas and silky tannins.
• Primitivo rosé: Fresh, fruity and lively, perfect as an aperitif.

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Food Pairings

Primitivo Secco

• Red Meat: Chargrilled steak, roast lamb, braised beef.
• Game: Wild boar stew, hare alla cacciatora.
• Aged Cheeses: Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano, Caciocavallo Podolico.

Primitivo Dolce

• Chocolate Desserts: Dark chocolate cakes, cocoa mousse.
• Dried Fruit and Nut Desserts: Fig tarts, almond cakes.

Primitivo rosé

• Cured Meats and Cold Cuts: Capocollo di Martina Franca, prosciutto crudo.
• First Courses: Orecchiette with tomato, vegetable risottos.

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Why Choose Primitivo?

The Primitivo is a grape variety that embodies the soul of Puglia, offering wines that are intense, warm and complex, perfect for accompanying rich, structured dishes or for enjoying on their own as meditation wines.