Discover Puglia | Primitivo Finds its Footing in the Heel of Italy

Discover Puglia | Primitivo Finds its Footing in the Heel of Italy

Primitivo di Manduria

As you make your way toward the southern reaches of Italy, you’ll find the sun-drenched region of Puglia in the heel of Italy’s boot. Surrounded by crystal clear waters on three sides, summer months have long attracted droves of tourists in search of a laid-back atmosphere, fresh seafood and pristine beaches. In other words, a uniquely Puglian respite.

But agriculturally, it’s historically been most notable for its olive oil and bulk wine production, which has been used to blend and bolster wine from more established regions, primarily northern Italy. 

Despite wine having been produced for hundreds of years in the region, its only been in the last 20 years that Puglia has attracted recognition for its unique terroir and dry, sunny maritime climate. Today, a new wave of winemaking talent has recognized the potential of this oft-overlooked region, and its most noble wine: Primitivo di Manduria. 

Consumers around the world are beginning to take notice, too, as US, German and Chinese markets have enthusiastically responded in kind. With US prices ranging in the $10 to $20 range, it’s easy to see why savvy consumers are finding Primitivo di Manduria’s combination of quality and value a compelling proposition. 

Primitivo is to the south of Italy as pasta is to Italy. “For the south, it’s something easily recognizable and its our core business because we believe a lot in Primitivo. It’s something for everybody, because Primitivo has everything you are looking for in a wine: full-bodied, fruity, and complex.” says Giuseppe Gabrielli, Export Manager for Masca del Tacco, whose portfolio of Primitivo wines were a highlight of our tastings.

Getting to Know Primitivo | Key Facts

  • Primitivo di Manduria is just one DOC, or Denominazione di Origine Controllata, within Italy’s Puglia region. It is one of the only Italian DOC to specialize in the production of Primitivo, and is one of the most important and better known DOC’s in southern Italy. 
  • The most prized vineyards are located nearest to the ocean.
  • Primitivo is nearly identical to Zinfandel genetically, and both trace their origins to Croatia.
  • In addition to the dry reds that the region is known for, those labeled dolce naturale refers to naturally sweet dessert wines which are prized and highly sought-after by locals.
  • The Primitivo di Manduria DOC was established in 1974, which today includes 46 producers specializing in Primitivo.
  • Only 8% of wines produced are classified Riserva, which typically see at least one additional year of bottle age before release.

Primitivo di Manduria

What is Primitivo?

“Zinfandel is the American name of Primitivo”, describes Giuseppe. It’’s 99.2% similar genetically, and most consider it to be the same grape, which was found to have originated in Croatia. 

Primitivo wines are similar to California Zinfandel in that they’re usually bold and full-bodied, but differ in that they possess less jammy ripe fruit and more of a savory rusticity which makes lends a refreshingly distinctly old-world flare. Generous spice and floral licorice aromatics typically rounds out the varieties high acid, high tannin profile. 

Standouts Wines Worth Seeking Out

As is often the unfortunate case when discovering great small producers abroad, the excitement of a great wine discovery fades as quickly as you soon discover that the wines aren’t yet available in the states (though some thankfully are!). We tasted a diverse selection of wines from a total of 9 producers, and the following were standouts from our tastings:

Primitivo di Manduria

The best examples of Primitivo du Manduria possess a mineral-inflected, wild underbrush quality that’s lifted by delicate floral aromatics. They boast an intriguing juxtaposition of elegance and power, with no shortage of red fruit flavors enveloped by licorice and clove spice.

Some of the bolder, riper expressions exude more jammy, baked fruit flavors underscored by rich chocolatey undertones. Considering their body and relatively high alcohol, the best examples still managed to exhibit wonderfully fine freshness and balance.

Arguably the most compelling Riserva Primitivo di Manduria I tasted was the Masca del Tacco Piano Chuse. Produced in minuscule quantities, it’s crafted from top vineyard sites throughout Manduria, covertly identified by the 3 sets of numbers appearing on the label.

Primitivo di Mandria

It possesses a refinement and elegance that belies its depth and concentration, with a spicy core of plum and black raspberry fruit that’s rich but never jammy, underscored by fine dusty tannins and toasty cedar. The satiny texture, purity of fruit and overall balance of this powerful wine really impress, and you would never know the Piano Chuse clocked in at 16% alcohol.

The Italians don’t requite a special occasion to enjoy a bottle of wine with dinner, its simply part of everyday life. Perhaps we should follow their lead, or consider the fact that we can find such a hearty, satisfying red wine at an affordable price its own occasion worthy of celebrating.


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8 thoughts on “Discover Puglia | Primitivo Finds its Footing in the Heel of Italy

  1. Karen

    Great article. I love when you include the history of an area or wine. I love Zinfandels but have never even heard of Primitive. It will be fun to try something new.

    Reply
  2. David

    I’m a big fan of Primitivo (and Zinfandel, for that matter) but I think I’ve somehow been completely ignorant of the “di Manduria” designation, though I know I’ve had wines from Puglia. Thanks for the education, and we will have to consider spending some time in Puglia on our next Italy trip.

    Reply
    1. The Fermented Fruit Post author

      Thanks very much for taking the time to read, and for your feedback. I’m glad I was able to help make that connection, and hope you’re able to make it to Puglia. I recommend visiting during the summer months, as this seems to be when the region really comes to life (though it also gets very busy from what we hear, so plan accordingly). Cheers!

      Reply
  3. Eric

    Have seen, tasted and drank many parts of Italy but not (yet) Puglia. It’s #1 on our list and hopefully in our travel plans before the end of the year.

    Reply

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