Few grape varieties carry as much intrigue as Zinfandel and Primitivo. These ancient varieties share a common Croatian origin, yet their expressions diverge beautifully across regions. At Cellar Beast Winehouse, these iconic grapes shine through the 2022 Old Vine Zinfandel, crafted from 67-year-old vines in Amador County, and the upcoming 2023 Primitivo from Meek Vineyard in Yakima Valley, Washington—a follow-up to the 2022 vintage that won Double Gold at the Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition and Gold at the Texas International Wine Competition. Let’s explore their flavor profiles, histories, and pairing possibilities, highlighting why these bold wines are a must-try for wine enthusiasts. Learn more about wine basics in our blog series.
What is Primitivo and Zinfandel?
Zinfandel and Primitivo are genetic twins traced back to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski. Modern DNA testing, pioneered by scientists like Edi Maletic, confirmed that both varietals stem from this ancient clone of Vitis vinifera. Over time, this distinct variety journeyed from the Dalmatian coast to Italy and the United States, where regional terroirs and American winemakers gave rise to unique expressions.
Today, Zinfandel wines are celebrated for their jammy fruit and spice-forward richness, particularly in Paso Robles, Napa Valley, and Sonoma County. On the other hand, Primitivo thrives in southern Italy’s Primitivo di Manduria DOC and Gioia del Colle, where Italian winemakers produce both dry wines and luscious Manduria Dolce Naturale DOCG.
Flavor Profiles of Primitivo and Zinfandel
Key Tasting Characteristics
- Zinfandel: Known for its bold flavors, jammy fruit, and peppery notes, Zinfandel often features blackberry notes and a hint of black tea leaf. Wines like Cellar Beast’s Old Vine Zinfandel are full-bodied, showcasing layers of bright fruit and spice flavors with balanced alcohol levels and minimal excessive acidity.
- Primitivo: Primitivo tends to have a more structured profile with black fruits, earlier fruit maturity, and subtle exotic spice notes. The upcoming 2023 Primitivo from Meek Vineyard promises the freshness and aromatic intensity that made the 2022 vintage a standout.
Comparing Primitivo and Zinfandel Flavors
While both grapes share commonalities, like berry flavors and elevated alcohol, their regional differences are distinct. Zinfandel thrives in warmer climates like Amador County and the Dry Creek Valley, resulting in lush, mouth-filling wines with jammy fruit and spice flavors. Primitivo, especially from hot climates in Puglia, balances residual sugar and acidity to create flavors of blackberry with hints of aromatic cedar.
Historical Roots of Primitivo and Zinfandel
Origins of Primitivo
Primitivo’s name, derived from “Primativus” (Latin for early-ripening clone), reflects its history as a fast-maturing black grape. By the 15th century, this varietal had taken root in Puglia, particularly in regions like Primitivo di Manduria DOC and Gioia del Colle, producing both fortified wines and table wines.
Zinfandel’s History in America
Zinfandel made its way to the East Coast in the 19th century, introduced by Frederick W. Macondray and later cultivated in California by pioneers like Wade Wolfe. By the 20th century, regions like Amador County, Paso Robles, and the Central Valley emerged as hubs for vine Zinfandels, with notable contributions from wineries like Ridge Vineyards.
Growing Regions
Amador County, CA: Old Vine Zinfandel’s Home
Cellar Beast’s Old Vine Zinfandel is a testament to the enduring legacy of Californian grapes. Amador County’s hot climates and cool nights allow for balanced sugar content and acidity, yielding big, full-bodied Zinfandel with bold, peppery notes and blackberry flavors.
Yakima Valley, WA: The Meek Vineyard
The Meek Vineyard in Yakima Valley is a hidden gem for Primitivo di Manduria-inspired wines. Its cool maritime influence and coastal strip terroir produce wines with earlier fruit maturity, freshness from acidity, and well-integrated alcohol by volume, as seen in the award-winning 2022 vintage.
Styles of Primitivo and Zinfandel
Old Vine Zinfandel: A Rich Legacy
High-quality Zinfandels, like Cellar Beast’s 2022 vintage, are characterized by concentrated flavors from additional vines that have aged for decades. These wines often have higher alcohol levels and deep aromatic intensity, reflecting their indigenous varieties.
Primitivo’s Versatility
Primitivo is available in dry and sweet styles, with Manduria Dolce Naturale being a prime example of its varietal character. The upcoming 2023 vintage from Meek Vineyard emphasizes the aromatic intensity and structured tannins that define the best Primitivo wines.
Food Pairings
Best Dishes to Complement Primitivo
- Cime di rapa with sausage: A Puglian classic highlighting Primitivo’s earthy and spicy notes.
- Bacon-wrapped tenderloin: Balances the wine’s bold, fruity flavors with salty richness.
- Osso Buco with gremolata: Enhances Primitivo’s bright fruit and spice flavors.
Ideal Foods for Zinfandel Pairing
- Barbecue pork ribs with pepper flakes: Highlights Zinfandel’s jammy fruit and peppery spice.
- Dark chocolate with cherry filling: Complements the wine’s residual sugar and notes of blackberry.
- Pepper-crusted steak: Amplifies Zinfandel’s black pepper and bold tannins.
Serving Tips for Primitivo and Zinfandel
Optimal Temperature for Serving
Both wines shine when served at 60-65°F (15-18°C). For White Zinfandels or other blush wines, aim for a cooler 50-55°F (10-13°C).
Glassware Recommendations
Use large-bowled glasses to aerate the wine and enhance its aromatic intensity. For sweeter styles like Dolce Naturale, a dessert wine glass is ideal.
Fun Facts About Zinfandel
Interesting Trivia and Myths
- Zinfandel’s ancestor, Crljenak Kaštelanski, is a Croatian variety that thrives in the Dalmatian territories.
- Oeil de Perdrix, an early French rosé wine, shares similarities with blush wines like White Zinfandel.
- The rise of White Zinfandels in the 20th century helped preserve many old vines that might have otherwise been removed.
Conclusion: Appreciating Cellar Beast’s Zinfandel and Primitivo
Cellar Beast Winehouse offers a captivating exploration of Zinfandel and Primitivo, showcasing the best of both worlds. Their 2022 Old Vine Zinfandel, from 67-year-old vines in Amador County, delivers a big, full-bodied Zinfandel experience. Meanwhile, the upcoming 2023 Primitivo from Meek Vineyard promises to continue the legacy of excellence established by the award-winning 2022 vintage. Whether you’re drawn to Zinfandel's bold richness or Primitivo's structured elegance, these wines celebrate history, craftsmanship, and perfect wine pairings. Cheers!
About the Author
Aaron Gratch is a Winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse, where he applies over a decade of expertise and a relentless passion for crafting exceptional wines. Known for his winemaking ability to balance innovation with tradition, Aaron has earned numerous accolades, including Double Gold at the Finger Lakes International Wine and Spirits Competition and Gold at the Texas International Wine Competition for his 2022 Primitivo. His commitment to showcasing each vineyard's distinctive terroir and varietal character shines through in Cellar Beast’s portfolio, including the highly acclaimed Old Vine Zinfandel and the upcoming 2023 Primitivo. Aaron’s meticulous approach and dedication to sustainability continue to set him apart as a leader in the wine industry.
