Primitivo di Manduria DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) is located in the Italian region of Puglia, next to the Ionian Sea. Its hot Mediterranean climate combined with mineral rich “terra rossa” soil are an ideal growing environment for the red Primitivo grape, a bold and flavorful variety that originated in Croatia. Story has it that Roman soldiers were the ones that introduced this variety to Puglia where it produces rustic wines with high alcohol and assertive tannins. Many of the vines are trained in a traditional bush system known as “alberello”, where the grapes are exposed to maximum sunshine resulting in concentrated flavors of ripe black and red fruit. Primitivo di Manduria must be made with minimum of 85% Primitivo and have a minimum of 13.5% alcohol content. The rustic character of Primitivo is best enjoyed with hearty dishes like braised short ribs, beef lasagna or sausage pizza. Cheers!
Author: Maytte Rivera
