At the end of C18, a red grape variety called Tribidrag was brought across the Adriatic from Croatia to the heel of Italy, where it was renamed Primitivo. An early ripener, it produced wine that was light, fruity and high in alcohol that became widely used for blending with established Italian varieties to produce bulk wine. It was only at the end of C20, when grant aid funded significant improvements in grape growing and wine making that the potential of Primitive as a stand-alone variety became recognised. At the same time, DNA research revealed that Primitivo and the American Znfandel were the same thing.
Time: 7.00 to 8.15 pm.
Presenter: Vivienne with Malcolm Franks
Availability: Good.
Wine Suggestions:
From Waitrose Cellar (https://www.waitrosecellar.com) – Puglia, Organic Primitivo Appassimento, Ferre di Faiano, ’20 (offer £7.99) and Puglia, Primitivo di Manduria Riserva, Paololeo, ’19 (£11.99).
From Majestic Wines (‘Mix Six’ prices) – Puglia, Primo Rosso Appassimento, ’20 (offer £7.99) and Australia (McLaren Vale), Primitivo, Kangarilla Road, ’18 (£10.99).
From The Wine Society: Puglia, Tarantino Primitivo Segnavento, Pervini, ‘19 (£8.25) and Primitivo di Manduria Achidamo,’19 (&11.50).
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.
