The many sides to Primitivo
14/11/2018

There is still much to be discovered about the origins of Primitivo, by now recognized as the best-known grape in Puglia wine production.
There is no certain data about when or how Primitivo arrived in Puglia. But one thing is certain: it is very similar to Zinfandel, the European grape variety that landed in California, and to Plavac Mali, a typical grape variety from certain areas of Croatia.
It was surely already in Puglia at the time of the Greeks, when the nectar of this fruit was identified as ‘merum’ or pure wine, and not ‘vinum,’ which was instead wine mixed with water, honey or other substances added to make the drink sweeter.
The name Primitivo is the name of the grape itself due to its principal, identifying characteristic: it is the first to ripen with respect to other red grape varieties in Puglia. In fact, it matures around the end of August. Primitivo grapes are grown in various terroirs, and the various ways of aging the wine produces different results. What they have in common is Primitivo’s distinctive look, aroma and taste: the intense ruby red color with hints of violet, aromas of small red fruits and the flavor of plum and spices.
The Varvaglione family has made this grape variety its flagship wine throughout the world. The various types produced reflect the different areas and methods of aging, but they share the unique, special characteristics of the Primitivo grape and the Varvaglione touch. This is the subject of The Many Sides to Primitivo feature, in which we offer a way to get to know more about this type of wine and how to pair it with dishes from the cuisine of Puglia, and not only…
Varvaglione 1921
2019
- Festival Costa dei Trulli with music, art and wines of Puglia: Varvaglione 1921 main sponsor
- New awards at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2019
- The top experience in Puglia
- Varvaglione staff is ready for Vinitaly 2019
- Varvaglione at Prowein 2019 in D
- Berlin liebt Varvaglione!
- Varvaglione 1921 on Wine Spectator: a goal and a starting point
- Varvaglione 1921 awarded by international guests of MSC Cruises
2018
- The many sides to Primitivo
- The past and the future in the harvest time
- 12emezzo Fashion Edition wines by Varvaglione on the beaches of Puglia
- Papale Linea Oro: Wine Revelation Italy at Concours Mondial de Bruxelles 2018
- A Question of Family: how the Varvaglione story began
- Maria Teresa Basile Varvaglione is the new President of Movimento Turismo del Vino Puglia