European Zinfandel
For years, the exact European roots of Zinfandel wine production were not certain. Recent discoveries now indicate that the grape is not a mutation of the Italian varietal Primitivo as was once thought.
Rather, both Zinfandel and Primitivo are mutations of an ancient Croatian varietal known as Crljenak. Mike Grgich of Grgich Hills has long suspected the grape’s Croatian origins.
Crljenak originated on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia and was brought across the Adriatic to Puglia. It ripened very early in the region’s hot climate and was given the name Primitivo by Benedictine monks during the 17th century.
Also known as Zingarello, the grape makes very full-bodied wines that are almost raisiny. The grape is also planted in France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Chile.
