Primitivo is thought to have originated in Greece but is relatively known for its Italian background though its arrival in Italy is undocumented. In the 17th century, it is known that the Benedictine monks named the varietal “Primitivo” because of its precociousness (early maturity of the grape).
Primitivo has been known as the father to Zinfandel for many years but recent DNA testing reveals that Primitivo is actually the same grape, genetically speaking, as Zinfandel. A few years back Zinfandel was found to have its origins in Croatia.
The grapes used for our first vintage of Primitivo wine came from Heringer Vineyards in Clarksburg, California. Heringer Vineyards is about 15 minutes south of Sacramento and is certified as a sustainable winery in the Lodi region. The Primitivo grapes were identified to have met the sustainable agriculture production standards approved by The Protected Harvest Board.
Heringer planted an Italian clone in California soil and found that the resulting grape is quite different from the Napa & Sonoma Zinfandels. The Primitivo has brighter fruit, is softer and leaner, and seems to be more food friendly. The Italian grapes also have thicker skins making them more resistant to rot, and therefore, less risky to grow. Heringer marketed these grapes as Primitivo in order to take advantage of the differences rather than competing with the traditional California-style Zinfandels.
Lynfred winemaker, Andres Basso, aged the Primitivo in both American and French oak barrels for ten months. The final bottling of the 2009 vintage of Primitivo is comprised of 82% Primitivo, 9% Merlot and 9% Rose.
Aroma: Deep aromas of fresh herbs, vanilla ice cream and raspberries.
Palate: This medium-full bodied wine has a bright acidity backed up by fresh plums, berries and toasty oak. A persistent and delicious finish.
Foods: Superb with tomato-basil soup, spaghetti Bolognese, lasagna and grilled skirt steak.
Coming today is the current recipe (and we’ll be all caught) up: Baked Boursin with Red Pepper!
-
lynfred posted this
