Are you choosing between the primitivo vs. Zinfandel grape variety? Both of these wines make delicious wines. Yet these grape varieties have a great deal in common, thanks to the wonders of DNA analysis.
Primitivo vs Zinfandel: Are They The Same Grape?
As a wine lover, you might wonder whether you should have Zinfandel Or Primitivo. Well, science can help with that question. DNA analysis shows us that these names refer to the same wine grape. Historically, this grape variety originates from a Croatian grape.
Despite that discovery, the wine industry takes a different view. In the US, these grapes are considered distinct. Therefore, you can find premium wines labeled as “Primitivo Zinfandel blend.” This confusing label may mean that grapes were harvested in different areas (e.g., some grapes came from Italian winemakers, and others may have come from Sonoma County).
To become a resident wine expert in your home, it’s helpful to know more about how the wine industry grows and produces these grapes.
Primitivo vs Zinfandel: Key Differences
Even though these two grapes may be considered clones, there are still differences. You may not see immediate differences if you pick up a California grape and compare it to Italian grapes. However, there are a few differences to keep in mind.
The Zinfandel grape is most strongly associated with American wines and American wine writers. In comparison, wine experts from other countries like Jancis Robinson are more likely to be familiar with the Italian variety. The pink appearance of Zinfandel wine is produced by a period of skin contact (i.e., allowing the wine juice to have prolonged contact with the grape skin during production).
In general, American winemakers produce Zinfandel with higher sugar content. In comparison, the Italian version of the same grape – Primitivo – tends to have lower sugar content. If you prefer low sugar levels in your wine, then you might want to pick up an Italian Primitivo instead.
Zinfandel and Primitivo also vary when it comes to alcohol content. The Californian grape usually has a higher alcohol content. Those who dislike high-alcohol wines should probably pick up a bottle of Italian wine instead.
There are also price differences between these two wines. Even as the cost of shipping wine fell in the 20th century, transporting wine across international borders still adds costs. As a rule of thumb, it is generally cheaper to buy domestic wines. That said, Italian winemakers produce wine at various quality levels and price points. So please don’t overlook the Italian grape variety solely because it can be a bit pricey.
Primitivo vs Zinfandel: How Do They Taste?
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. How do these different wines taste when you pour them into your glass? Several factors influence a wine’s taste, like sugar levels, alcohol content, serving temperature, climate, and the wine region.
The Primitivo wine offers fruit flavors like blackberry and blueberry. Other familiar flavors include black pepper and licorice. This Italian wine also offers moderate tannins and acidity. Also, the relatively high alcohol level gives the wine a full-bodied experience.
The flavor profile of white zinfandels usually features red fruits like raspberry and strawberry flavors. This wine tends to have crisp acidity as well. This variety will offer cherry, pepper, or blackberry flavors when produced in a warm climate wine area like California.
Primitivo & Zinfandel: Food Pairings
Choosing foods to enjoy with these two popular types of wine is relatively simple.
Zinfandel is a very food-friendly wine, so plenty of dishes work well. Barbeque meats, turkey, and burgers all work well. For vegetarian options, go with black beans or portobello mushrooms. Blue cheese also works well.
White Zinfandels are a bit different, however, regarding food pairing. Enjoy this wine with salads, fish dishes, and acidic foods like tomato pasted pasta or pizzas.
Primitivo wine gives you different food pairing choices. As an Italian wine, it works wonderfully with various pasta dishes like vegetable pasta, spaghetti Bolognese, and eggplant parmesan. Further, this Italian wine also goes effectively with lamb curry and hamburgers.
There is one more option to explore: wine with dessert!
Zinfandel is a popular dessert wine choice because this variety can be produced in a sweet style. Most wine sales today are dry, so you can also find Zinfandel made in a dry wine style.
For more tips on enjoying your wine with sweets, see my guide to wine chocolate pairing.
Primitivo vs Zinfandel In Summary
The Zinfandel vs. primitivo debate is simple. In a way, these are both the same varietal wine grape. Even though these names refer to the same grape, there are differences in taste between primitivo and Zinfandel. Usually, there is a difference in fruit flavor between each wine. Primitivo wine profile tastes like blueberry and blackberry. Zinfandels typically offer cherry flavors, plum, and cranberry.
