If you love wine, you have surely heard of Primitivo del Salento. This is one of the most representative wines of Puglia - and of Southern Italy in general - admired for its intensity and its ability to tell the story of its territory in every sip. With a rich and enveloping profile, it is a wine that captivates at first taste, perfect for those who enjoy bold and structured flavors.
Characteristics of Primitivo del Salento
Let’s start with its unique name. It seems that Primitivo owes its name to the early ripening of its grapes (primativus, in fact, means "early" in Latin). This grape variety finds an ideal habitat in Salento, thanks to the warm climate and calcareous-clayey soils. If we were to create a descriptive sheet for Primitivo del Salento, it would look like this:
● Color: Deep ruby red with violet reflections, turning garnet with aging.
● Aromas: Scents of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and plum, accompanied by spicy notes of vanilla, cocoa, and black pepper.
● Taste: Warm, smooth, and structured, with velvety tannins and a long, enveloping persistence.
Pairings with Primitivo del Salento
Now, let’s talk about food. The aromatic richness and structure of Primitivo make it an extremely versatile wine for pairings. Here are some suggestions:
● Red meats and game: Perfect with roasts, braised meats, and grilled meats.
● Flavorful first courses: Ideal with pasta dishes featuring meat sauces, orecchiette with meat-based ragù, and lasagna.
● Aged cheeses: Its smoothness balances the bold flavors of Pecorino and Caciocavallo cheeses.
● Dark chocolate: In its softer and slightly sweeter versions, Primitivo pairs beautifully with cocoa-based desserts.
Curiosities about Primitivo del Salento
Primitivo del Salento is a wine full of surprises, even from a historical and territorial perspective.
Did you know, for example, that Primitivo has ties to Croatia, where it is known as Crljenak Kaštelanski? It is also genetically related to Zinfandel, a grape variety now widely grown in California.
As mentioned, its harvest is early - traditionally in August, although climate change is reshaping harvest times. However, another interesting fact is that some Primitivo vineyards produce a second harvest about a month after the first, offering wines with distinct characteristics.
In short, Primitivo del Salento is a wine that embodies strength, warmth, and tradition. With its aromatic intensity and versatility in pairings, it is truly a jewel of Apulian winemaking, capable of captivating both wine enthusiasts and those discovering this extraordinary grape for the first time!
Try our Primitivo del Salento.