½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

[QUOTE=½ûÂþÌìÌÃfan]Just discovered that my favourite wine Zinfandel is the same grape as Primitivo! Can anyone recommend the best one to look out for as I'm in Italy for a few days next week? maybe Puglia isn't so bad after all ![/QUOTE]

The best cellars are in Manduria and Sava in Taranto province.
Not sure if Zinfandel is sane grape than Primitivo....have to check!
Ciao

Zinfandel was for many years somewhat of a mystery grape, as far as its origins are concerned. Recent research has proved Zinfandel is a clone of the Croatian variety Crljenak. While it had been theorized that Zinfandel's genetic twin, the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Primitivo, was the source, this grape also originally mutated from Crljenak. Further research may indicate the very first plantings migrated from Albania or Greece.

The ½ûÂþÌìÌà DOC, PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA, produces dry red Primitivo grape-based wines that are similar to some California Zins but in general all primativo's are very strong and very yummy.

And if you like primativo try anything of this grape type: Negroamaro
Often written Negro Amaro, this dark skinned southern ½ûÂþÌìÌà grape variety is most common in Apulia and is particularly associated with Salento. Negroamaro means "black, bitter" and is generally used for blending but can be used to produce red wines which require ageing and some rose wines.
:D