Primitivo: Puglia's Child of the Sun

Deep, velvety and full of southern warmth: Primitivo is the liquid sunshine of Puglia – a grape that has made the heel of Italy's boot the home of great, generous reds.

One Grape, Two Names

Primitivo carries its nature in its name: il primo, the first, because its grapes ripen earlier than those of its neighbours. Long dismissed as a rustic peasant wine, it was revealed to be genetically identical to California's Zinfandel. What began as a simple country wine is today one of the most sought-after reds in the world, and its heart still beats in Puglia.

Sunshine in the Glass: The Character

Puglia's scorching climate and poor, chalky soils give Primitivo its unmistakable richness. In the glass it shows a dense garnet and aromas of stewed plum, blackberry, liquorice and sweet tobacco. On the palate it is soft and opulent, with ripe tannins, generous alcohol and an almost chocolatey depth. The wines of Manduria, where Primitivo reaches its greatest concentration, are especially prized.

Our Primitivo Picks

• Sessantanni Primitivo di Manduria – the embodiment of great Primitivo: from 60-year-old vines, dense, velvety and layered, with plum, cocoa and vanilla. A wine like a warm summer evening.
• Talo Primitivo di Manduria DOP – an approachable classic: juicy dark fruit, soft tannins and a sweet warmth. Simple and generous – Primitivo as you love it.
• Terra Magica Primitivo di Manduria DOP – powerful and fruit-driven, with notes of ripe cherry and spice. A generous companion for convivial evenings.

What Goes with Primitivo

Primitivo's opulent fruit and soft structure love hearty cooking: braised lamb, wild boar ragout, aged hard cheeses and everything from the grill. It is also a reliable partner for spicy pasta dishes, pizza and Mediterranean braises. And thanks to its gentle sweetness, a mature Primitivo even harmonises with dark chocolate.

The Right Way to Serve

Serve Primitivo at 16 to 18 degrees, so its richness can unfold without the alcohol standing out too much. Younger, fruit-driven wines benefit from a short aeration, the great Manduria wines from an hour in the decanter. A generous glass underlines the aromatic opulence.

Discover our selection of Puglian red wines and Primitivo specialities. Free shipping from CHF 99 throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein.