Primitivo/Zinfandel

Originally from Croatia (called Tribidrag), Primitivo is encountered mainly in Puglia and neighbouring provinces of southern Italy, and is identical to Zinfandel, the darling of California. It is big, alcoholic and stewy in character when red, while ‘White Zinfandel’ is in fact an off-dry rosé, low in alcohol and mass-produced as a party staple. In Italy these robust reds have a bit more charm and are ideal with winter stews and casseroles. Also known as Pribidrag, Crljenak, Kratošija and most simply as ‘Zin’, spawning plenty of puns like Cardinal Zin et al!

Photo credit: California Wine Institute