Primitivo

Primitivo is a red grape that was originally planted in southern Italy, notably in Puglia. The robust and rustic spicy black and fruity notes of Primitivo thrive in the warmest climates, and will achieve extremely high alcohol levels. Most people believe that Pimitivo and Zinfandel is the same grape and actually, they are genetically similar although it took some detective work and DNA fingerprinting to figure that out. Zinfandel and Primitivo are closes of the Croatian grape that is called Crljenak. Cloning is not a bad thing when it comes to grapes and is merely a genetic subtype that occurs naturally or is gently encouraged by the grower. Grapes are more adaptable than people think and can mutate extremely easily. If a grape grow catches a glimpse of a vine that is preferable for berry size, ripening characteristics and cluster formation, it is easy to graft and cut a clone onto an established vine, which is how the Primitivo red grape was created. Although Zinfandel and Primitivo have been considered by most as synonyms, the United States labeling laws does not allow them to be used interchangeably. That is why you will find Zinfandel and Pimitivo blends in the US.