Primitivo

Primitivo is a dark-skinned grape known for producing inky, tannic wines, primarily in Puglia where the hot dry summers allow the grape to accumulate significant sugar levels prior to harvest. A classic Primitivo wine is high in both alcohol and tannins, intensely flavored and deeply colored. It can occasionally reach alcohol levels of 18%, but is quite often around 14 – 15%.

In some cases, Primitivo can mistaken for an Amarone, because of the raisined fruit and leather aromas, not to mention high alcohol levels.