The wines of our region are prestigious and unique, and among the most famous grape varieties is Primitivo, a wine that embodies both tradition and territory. Primitivo is one of the most well-known and appreciated wines in Italy and abroad, where it is also recognized as Zinfandel.
But where does it come from, and what story does it tell?
To understand its origins, we must go back in time. Viticulture in Salento has ancient roots, and it is believed that many of our local wines originated from the Illyrians, a Balkan people who were masters of vine cultivation. Later, the Phoenicians began commercializing these wines throughout the Mediterranean. It seems that the Illyrians, an ancient population devoted to viticulture and originally from what is now Croatia, brought this grape variety to Puglia, where it adapted perfectly.
However, the first documented historical traces of Primitivo date back to the 18th century, when an ecclesiastic from Gioia del Colle, Don Francesco Filippo Indelicati, left written accounts of this grape variety. He observed that among his vines, one matured earlier than the others, producing particularly dark, sweet, and flavorful grapes that could be harvested as early as August. He himself named it Primitivo, deriving from the Latin word "primativus", meaning "early", referring to its precocious ripening compared to other grape varieties.
Did you already know about its fascinating ancient history?
