Primitivo and Zinfandel are genetically identical according to UC Davis grapevine geneticist Carole Meredith. The varietal arrived in the United States in the early 1820’s and made its appearance in California around 1850. Needless to say it has become one of the favorite varietals in America.
Primitivo has been cultivated in Italy and in particular Puglia for thousands of years.
Puglia, the “heel” of Italy’s famous boot, is home to one of the greatest collection of ancient Primitivo/Zinfandel vines on the planet.
Although Puglia has been invaded countless times and despite a turbulent and varied past the people have absorbed the best of many cultures and formed a unique way of life. Somehow they seem above the hectic modern world.
They sit in the square, talk of the heat and sand when storms in the Sahara rage, lashing them just 100 miles away. They speak of soccer, food and harvest time.
The people of PUGLIA just seem to be part of the land, stone Trulli (unique stacked stone houses) predating the Roman Empire sit alongside stone walls enclosing one little vineyard after another. They get up and go back into the fields, they work slowly yet with purpose, working the vines as their fathers and forefathers before them.
Please check out the pairing that was done by The Toasted Hostess from The Corkscrew Diary… http;//vimeo.com/4515395 lamb and the fixins’… cheers!
WOW! We had this wonderful wine at dinner in Las Vegas and now purchse it for our home enjoyment. Keep up the good work!
Pat:
Thanks for the endorsement. This is what we love to hear about our wines; but, understanding you have so much to chose from, it’s really an honor. We feel the Primitivo is so flexible for many types of cuisine that it’s a great go to wine. Given the nature of your climate in Vegas, it’s not much different than the dusty, dry and arid climate in Puglia where the wine is made which is also an added bonus.
The new vintage of Shiraz should be in your market very soon; please keep us apprised of your Layer Cake experiences and by all means have a safe and happy holiday.
All the best,
Layer Cake Wines
Just had this wine with dinner at a restaurant last night – fantastic!
Chad:
Thanks so much; you’ve got to try the Shiraz and the Malbec, our Napa Valley Cabernet is sold out for a while, but, can be found in local shops from time to time. What did you eat and where? The idea of food and wine being a marriage makes your commentary very special for us.
Please keep us in the loop.
LCW
One of our favorite wines. When we have large parties, this is the red wine we serve. It is always a hit!