GRAPE VARIETAL
100% Primitivo
APPELLATION
Salento IGT.
Salento on the Peninsula, within Apulia, has an ancient tradition of winemak-
ing. During the Greek colonization, wine-growing was considerably enhanced.
The most prosperous period of Salento vine-growing coincided with the period
in which Venice fought against the Turks to conquer Cyprus, Crete and Morea
(1570-1718). At the end of the 18th century, Salento was the European vine-
growing region par excellence. Apulia is mostly a plain but the mountainous
Gargano Peninsula breaks through its low coast to the north. There are moun-
tains in the north central part of the region. Industry has expanded rapidly in
the 20th century but farming still represents the main occupation in the region.
Regional products include olives, grapes, cereals, almonds, figs.
VARIETAL INFORMATION
Originating from Croatia, Primitivo was then grown in Italy for thousands of
years. DNA testing has now confirmed that Primitivo is the exact same grape as
Zinfandel, made popular by Californian wineries. Primitivo translates roughly
as early one, the Primitivo name is thought to be a reference to the varietys
early ripening nature, although it is also possible that it was named in reference
to the uneven way Primitivo berries ripen; it is not unusual to see plump, fully
ripened berries clustered alongside hard, green grapeshot.
WINEMAKING
Harvesting took place in the first half of September. Traditional red wine vinifi-
cation at a controlled temperature between 77-80 F.
CELLARING
4 years.
TASTING NOTES
A dark, ruby-red color with violet highlights. Intense and fragrant bouquet with
a rich jammy dark fruits and soft tannins.