Primitivo, 2013. Primius
Appellation: Manduria D.O.P., Salento, Italy
Wine tasting with Paul Kalemkiarian & Ed Masciana
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Primius is produced at the San Donaci winery, one of the oldest wineries in Salento. Founded in 1933, San Donaci is also one of the first co-operatives in all of Italy. Located at the southeastern tip of the country - also known as the “heel of the boot” - the co-op is now headed by international winemaker, Marco Pagano. Marco studied in France as well as Italy, and his extensive knowledge and expertise have led to San Donaci attaining a revered status and reputation rarely seen in a co-op.
In spite of the incredible beauty of the Salento area, with views of both the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, the region used to be very poor. It’s only in the last 30 years that investment in the area has increased. As a result, Salento has become a much-loved tourist destination, featuring music and art centers along with luxury hotels.
The San Donaci winery grows all the classic, native grapes of the area, with Primitivo heading the list (along with Negroamaro). Primitivo is actually the same grape as America’s Zinfandel, which was originally thought to be native to the United States. Later, DNA testing revealed its original ancestry to be Croatian.
No matter its heritage, Primitivo is still a standout wine. When properly made, as it is here, it exhibits ingratiating flavors of fruits and flowers, and actually ages beautifully for decades.
In this gorgeous Primitivo, we find all the components we’ve come to love in American Zinfandel. From the strawberry jam and plum essences to the lovely floral and leather swatches with tinges of earth and spice, it delivers at every level, every time.
