Zinfandel & Primitivo — One Grape, Two Great Traditions
Zinfandel and Primitivo are, genetically, the same grape variety — a fact that was confirmed by DNA analysis in the 1990s and that connects two of the wine world's most distinctive and celebrated red wine traditions across the Atlantic Ocean. In California, where it arrived in the 19th century and became the state's signature red variety, it is known as Zinfandel — a wine of bold, jammy fruit, generous warmth, and the exuberant, sun-drenched character of the Golden State. In the heel of Italy's boot — the ancient, sun-baked region of Puglia — the same variety is known as Primitivo, producing wines of extraordinary depth, richness, and Mediterranean character from some of the oldest and most distinctive vineyard sites in southern Italy. Two names, two traditions, one extraordinary grape.
Zinfandel: California's Signature Red
Zinfandel arrived in California in the mid-19th century — brought by European settlers who planted it in the warm, sun-drenched valleys of Sonoma, Napa, and the Sierra Foothills, where it thrived in the Mediterranean-like climate and produced wines of a character unlike anything grown in Europe. California Zinfandel is celebrated for its bold, generous fruit — blackberry, raspberry, cherry, and plum — its natural warmth and high alcohol, and the characteristic jammy, spicy, and sometimes brambly character that makes it one of the most immediately enjoyable and distinctive red wines in the world. The variety's ability to produce wines of extraordinary richness and concentration from old, dry-farmed vines — some of California's Zinfandel vines are over 100 years old — has made it a favourite of winemakers and wine lovers alike.
Primitivo: The Ancient Vines of Puglia
In Puglia — the long, flat peninsula that forms the heel of Italy's boot, stretching into the Adriatic and Ionian Seas — the same variety has been grown for centuries under the name Primitivo, producing wines of extraordinary depth, richness, and Mediterranean character from the region's ancient, sun-baked soils. The Primitivo of Puglia is typically fuller-bodied and more structured than its Californian counterpart, with the characteristic red iron-oxide soils of the Salento peninsula and the ancient Alberello vine training method — the traditional bush vine system that has been used in southern Italy for millennia — producing fruit of exceptional concentration and intensity. The Alberello system trains the vine as a low, free-standing bush without a trellis, limiting yields and exposing the fruit to the full intensity of the Puglian sun while allowing the coastal sea winds to circulate freely around the vine and prevent disease.
Our Range
Luccarelli Primitivo Zinfandel — Salento, Puglia — A classic expression of Puglian Primitivo from the Salento region, sourced from 15–30-year-old vines grown in red soil rich in iron oxides on calcareous rock. Controlled temperature maceration for 8–10 days, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel. Deep ruby with pronounced red fruit aromas. Full-bodied with firm tannins and a well-rounded, lush, and fruity character. Best enjoyed young with hearty starters, red meats, game, and moderately seasoned cheeses.
Masso Antico Primitivo — Apulia (Puglia) — A premium Apulian Primitivo of genuine distinction, sourced from rare hand-picked Alberello vines — the ancient bush vine training method of southern Italy — with grape withering on the vine encouraged by the coastal sea wind, and six months of maturation in French oak. Deep ruby with rich ripe fruit, warm spice, and a lingering vanilla finish. A Primitivo of genuine old-vine intensity and Puglian character.
19 Crimes Snoop Dogg Cali Red — California — A bold Californian blend of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel that captures the exuberant, sun-drenched character of California red wine at its most immediate and enjoyable. Deep, dense ruby-purple. Black and blue fruit from the Petite Sirah (blackberry, blueberry, dark plum) with bright red candied fruit from the Zinfandel (cherry, raspberry), alongside vanilla and darkly toasted oak. Full-bodied with ripe black fruit, structured tannins, and a slightly sweet, spiced finish. A wine of bold Californian character.
Hentley Farm The Stray — Barossa Valley — A distinctive Barossa Valley blend of Grenache (63%), Shiraz (35%), and Zinfandel (2%) that showcases the variety's ability to add a distinctive red fruit brightness and warmth to a Southern Rhône-inspired blend. Deep ruby-red with vibrant crimson hues. Ripe red berries, wild strawberries, dark cherries, forest floor earthiness, sweet toffee apple, and clove spice on the nose. Medium to full-bodied with supple tannins and bright acidity. Raspberry, cherry, cranberry, white pepper, dried herbs, and liquorice on the palate. Outstanding with roasted lamb, grilled sausages, and Mediterranean dishes.
How to Enjoy Zinfandel & Primitivo
All expressions in this range are best served at 16–18°C in a generous red wine glass. The Luccarelli Primitivo is approachable upon release and outstanding with hearty Italian dishes — pasta with rich meat sauces, pizza, grilled sausages, and aged cheeses. The Masso Antico rewards 15–20 minutes of breathing and is outstanding with slow-braised lamb, beef, and the full range of southern Italian cuisine. The 19 Crimes Cali Red is outstanding with grilled meats, burgers, and bold, flavoursome dishes. The Hentley Farm The Stray benefits from 20–30 minutes of breathing and is outstanding with roasted lamb and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Explore our full Zinfandel & Primitivo range below and discover why this extraordinary grape — known as Zinfandel in California and Primitivo in Puglia, but genetically identical across the Atlantic — produces some of the most bold, generous, and immediately enjoyable red wines in the world.
