The Origin of Zinfandel and Primitivo

Zinfandel en Primitive are two names for the same grape variety. What is the history of this grape and how did it get two different names?

Zinfandel from California

Zinfandel is a grape that is primarily grown in California. But the Primitivo is a grape that is primarily in Italy is cultivated. And that while these grapes are actually the same. In fact, the names of these two grape varieties (Primitivo and Zinfandel) are not the original names of this grape. But the grapes originate from Croatia, where they “Tribi behavior" and sometimes "Crljenak Kastelanskic" are called.

Although we currently take this information for granted, many did not know until the 1960s that Zinfandel and Primitivo were the same grape. Moreover, the roots of this grape variety were only traced in 2001. During this process, Zinfandel and Primitivo were dissected, and scientists discovered that they are exactly the same grape.

In Italy as Primitivo

In the 18th century, a priest named Don Francesco Filippo Indellicati had a fondness for Red wineHe bought some grapes from Croatia, including Tribidrag. Next, he planted them in Liponti, Italy. Subsequently, he noticed that the Tribidrag grapes began to ripen before all the other grapes. Consequently, he began to call them Primitivo. After all, Primitivo is a word derived from the ItalianIt means 'first'. As a result, this name stuck. Because the grapes began to grow with ease in the regional climate, Primitivo spread like wildfire throughout Puglia. Additionally, it became the most planted grape in the region.

Zinfandel as Tribidrag in California

Meanwhile, the Tribidrag grape arrived in Boston from Vienna in 1829. It was brought along by the Habsburg monarchy, which ruled Croatia at the time. Only later in Boston was it received by a horticulturist named George Gibbs. It was used as a table grape and designated as Zenfendal. This, in turn, derives from the Hungarian name tzinifándli. Later, Gibbs moved to California to follow the gold rush in 1850. In doing so, he took the Zinfandel-vines with it.

Moreover, the grape was first planted in North America in 1857 to make red wine. This was at the Oak Knoll vineyard in the northern Napa Valley. The wine was so well received that Zinfandel production skyrocketed almost overnight. By the end of the 1890s, the grape was no longer used as table wine here either, as its quality became increasingly apparent. After all, thanks to its quality characteristics, it became one of the most widely planted grapes in America.

Few people in Italy or whether the United States knew that Primitivo and Zinfandel were not unique. Nor did they know that it was not their own grape, but that it came from Croatia. That realization therefore came much later, after extensive research.

Discoveries of Zinfandel and Primitivo in Croatia

Later in 1967, many eyebrows were raised when Professor Austin Goheen of the University of California visited the Italian region of Apulia. There, he found an astonishing similarity between Primitivo and Zinfandel. In 1968, Primitivo was brought to California. After analysis, the grapes were declared genetically identical.

Carole Meredith of the University of California picked up the research in the 150s and identified Croatia as the birthplace of these grapes. She collected more than XNUMX vines from across the country for the analysis. At a later point, her team was convinced that Plavac Mali the grape in question. Later, after more extensive research, it was confirmed that the Plavac mali the grape descended from Tribidrag (Zinfandel / Primitivo) and was not its 'parent'. Nevertheless, different names are used for the same type of wine.

Tribidrag from Crljenak Kaštelanski

After almost a decade of searching, the breakthrough came in 2001 Dalmatia. After a number of samples were taken from vines from Kaštel Novi it ​​was determined that the grape involved was Crljenak Kaštelanski.

Only 9 of these existed vines in the vineyard with thousands of other varieties. It was only later, in 2011, that it became apparent that the Tribidrag grape is genetically identical to the Crljenak Kaštelanski. Moreover, the word Tribidrag, just like Primitivo, refers to the word 'early', which in turn is derived from the early-ripening character of the grape.

Features of Tribidrag

The grape itself is dark in color, has an average acidity and contains an average to reasonable amount tannins. After all, due to the sunny climate, his tannins well ripe. This makes the wine smooth. In addition, the wine of this tribidrag grape tastes fruity and contains aromaPhotos of black cherries, blueberries, plums, figs and blackberries.

Tribidrag wine is also dark red in color. However, light Tribidrag wine with a lower alcohol percentage (around 13,5%) is juicy. In contrast, Tribidrag with a higher alcohol percentage is heavier and slightly sweet. But thanks to its good characteristics, full body, and fruity taste, Tribidrag wine pairs well with hearty, spicy, and/or grilled dishes. All in all, Zinfandel/Tribidrag is a serious food wine that you can pair with dishes made with extra virgin olive oil.

In summary, the taste palette of the tribidrag wine is characterized by cherries and blackberries, complemented by a fresh, well-integrated acidity. After all, it is seductive Dry wine thanks to fine and soft tannins. In short, ideal for a relaxed evening or a good meal.

AROMA of Tribidrag wine

• Fruit: blackberries and black cherries
• Cocoa and dark chocolate
• Tobacco and sandalwood
• Herbs: rooibos and star anise

Zinfandel, Primitivo, Tribidrag or Crljenak Kaštelanski?

In short, it took nearly 50 years to trace the origins of Zinfandel and Primitivo. Eventually, the history of these grapes was unraveled in Croatia. So, how about a glass of Crljenak Kaštelanski or Plavac Mali?

Alternatives

There are a few alternatives to Primitivo and Zinfandel wine. Some of them are: Barbera, Merlot, Sangiovese, Blaufränkisch / Frankovka, Cabernet Sauvignon and of course Plavac Mali† Each of these wines has its own unique flavor profile that may suit particular dishes or palates better. It really depends on what you're looking for in a wine which alternative would be the best. Cheers in advance!