Early ripe dark-skinned grape variety "Primitivo"

The Primitivo grape variety is used to produce sweet and semi-sweet red wines with a tart, astringent aftertaste. From berries with a high level of sugar content, a wine with an alcoholic strength of 14-18% is obtained. The aroma is dominated by cherry, cherry, berry, plum, pepper and vanilla notes. Read more about the variety and its distinctive characteristics in the article.

Origin history and description of the Primitivo grape variety

Debates about the origin of this dark-skinned grape variety are still ongoing. "Primitivo" is an Italian name, the town of Gioia del Colle is considered the historical homeland of this grape... According to Italians, the variety appeared here about two thousand years ago, but for some unknown reason it was forgotten, and at the end of the 18th century it experienced a rebirth.

Francesco Indellicati, a local priest, noticed that in the vineyards near the church, some vines bear fruit earlier than others, and named them Primitivo, which literally translates as "first" or "early". From here the variety spread to Apulia, took root in Salento and Manduria.

At the end of the 60s of the twentieth century. Californian phytopathologist Austin Goin visited Apulia, a region in southeastern Italy. The people call this territory the "heel" of the Apennine Peninsula-boot. Here he noticed a striking similarity between the local vine and the Primitivo wine and the Californian Zinfandel. Returning to the United States, the scientist took with him several cuttings for research, which caused heated debate.

At the end of the 70s isozyme analysis (DNA precursor) was carried out, which showed the identity of the varieties... In 1993, Californian scientist Carole Meredith examined the genotypes of Zinfandel and Primitivo, and confirmed that they are clones of the same variety.

Meanwhile, Croats claim that the ancestor of the variety is the ancient Tribidrag grape, known since the 15th century. In the same 90s, the Californian winemaker of Croatian origin, Mike Grgic, organized a search for suitable grape samples in Croatia. So, in 2001, it was possible to determine the genetic similarity with the varieties Crljenak Kastelanski and Pridibrag.

How did the vine get to the USA? According to one version, the cuttings were brought to America in the 1920s. 19th century from the Vienna Imperial Nursery. The customer was the gardener George Gibbs (by the way, the Isabella grape variety was named after his wife). After arriving in the North American continent, the grapes were used to make dry and sweet red wines.

The voyage of the Primitivo variety across the ocean played into the hands of its popularity. In the early 90s of the twentieth century, grapes were little known outside Italy. In the USA, he received a new round of development and gained popularity all over the world. If earlier Italians labeled bottles with Zinfandel wine, trying to popularize their products, now Americans release their wines under the name Primitivo.

Important. Despite the genetic identity, the different growing conditions of grapes in Puglia and California have led to mutations. Today Primitivo and Zinfandel are considered different varieties, although they have a common “progenitor”.

Characteristics of grapes

The vine of Primitivo is tall. The bunches are medium in size, dense, which often leads to rotting of the berries.

Leaves are medium in size, five-lobed, deeply cut, partially pubescent on the back. The blades overlap each other densely.

Stepsons ripen quickly and give a second portion of the fruit.

The variety is prone to peas - small berries ripen unevenly.

Fruits are small, round in shape, with a thick waxed skin. The color is dark purple. Petioles are short. The berries ripen unevenly. They contain a lot of antioxidants, tannins, vitamins.

Sugar content - high, depending on the region of cultivation, on average reaches 30%. The calorie content of 100 g of the product is 60 kcal. For the preparation of wine with the remaining sugar, fruits with a sugar content of at least 24% are harvested.

The aroma is dominated by notes of cherries, berries, plums, pepper and vanilla. Far away are chocolate, floral and woody tones. The taste is rich, sweet, tart, with a pleasant sourness.

Reference. The wax coating on the skin protects the berries from cracking in conditions of high humidity.

The Primitivo grape is characterized by its hardiness to soil type and climatic conditions. Subject to the rules of cultivation from 1 bush, it is possible to collect about 10 kg of berries.

The variety is suitable for growing in the south of Russia and in regions with a temperate climate. The culture "loves" the sun and is not demanding on the composition of the soil. For example, in their historical homeland in Puglia, gardeners have to hammer the rocky soil in front of planting grapes, however, the stones perfectly protect the roots from drying out in the heat. The culture is drought tolerant, pest and disease resistant.

The flowering period begins in May and ends in June. Flowers open gradually - from 6.00 to 11.00 in the morning. After full disclosure, the stigmas are capable of fertilization for 4-6 days. Fertilization takes 24 hours, after which the stage of ovary formation begins.

A good harvest is possible, during the period of pollination and ovary formation the air temperature was comfortable + 25 ... + 30 ° С.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the Primitivo variety:

• high productivity;
• sugar content of fruits;
• excellent taste and aroma;
• unpretentiousness to soil composition and climate;
• drought resistance.

Disadvantages:

• peas;
• exactingness to lighting;
• dense clusters are prone to rotting.

Wine from the grape variety

Primitivo grapes are used for the production of dark, tannin, dark, rich flavor and fruity-floral aftertaste. Classic wine - fortified, with a high tannin content, pronounced aroma and rich color.

In Manduria, the strength of liqueur wines reaches 18%, table wines - 14%.

Distinctive features of Primitivo wines are refined, fruity red wines with hints of Mediterranean herbs. The grapes accumulate a lot of sugar under the southern sun, so the wines are fortified and have a pleasant residual sweetness.

Notable wines:

1. Primitivo di Manduria - fortified, sweet almond-based, ideal for desserts.
2. Primitivo di Manduria DOG Segretorosso - dry, violet-red, with notes of cherries, violets, strawberries, chocolate, juicy, velvety with a long aftertaste. It is served with meat, risotto and pasta.
3. Byzantium I Primitivo di Manduria DOP - a rich pomegranate-red wine with the aroma of red fruits and plums. It is served with roasts, cheeses and first courses.
4. Primitiv Astrale Rosso - red, dry, velvety and soft, with hints of blackberry and a long aftertaste, devoid of acidity, slightly tart. Served with meat and pasta.
5. Alchymia Primitivo Puglia IGT - red, semi-dry, with cherry and cherry aroma. The taste is velvety, enveloping, with a long aftertaste. Served with grilled meat and meat snacks.

Primitive is combined with dark varieties Alicante Bouchet and Shiraz. For the production of rosé wine, it is combined with Riesling and White Muscat.

Grapes grown in temperate regions are used to produce fortified dry wine with a balanced taste, pronounced blackberry aroma and spicy residual notes.

Reference. Wines from the Primitivo variety are characterized by unlimited aging ability.

Planting seedlings

Grapes are planted in May, when the risk of recurrent frosts is minimal - with open-root seedlings and cuttings. The plot is chosen on the south side, with sufficient lighting.

For planting seedlings, in autumn, the soil is dug up and formed with a planting depth and width of 70-80 cm. Drainage is placed on the bottom - 10 cm of broken brick or crushed stone. The soil is poured on top so that 0.5 m remains to the edges of the pit. The soil is watered abundantly, they wait until the water is completely absorbed and the soil sags. Then a seedling is planted, evenly spreading the roots, and the hole is completely covered with soil.

The seedlings are shaded and watered daily. The soil is loosened and mulched with sawdust.

For planting by cuttings use specimens about 45 cm long. They are cut 14-15 days before flowering or at the beginning. The lower leaves are removed, an oblique cut is made and immersed in room temperature water for 48 hours. After that, the slice is dipped in liquid paraffin for 3-5 seconds and immersed in a growth stimulator ("Epin") for 24 hours.

The pit is formed according to the principle of planting with seedlings. A long stick is installed in the center to support the vine. A hole 0.5 m deep and 10 cm in diameter is formed next to it, and a cutting is planted. The lower peephole should go 5 cm deep. Next, the hole is covered with soil and tamped. The earth is watered, they wait until the water is absorbed, and a portion of the moist soil is poured, forming a height of 15 cm.

Subtleties of further care

Competent vine care is a guarantee of a rich harvest. One of the most important agrotechnical procedures - pruning... The grapes direct nutrients mainly to the upper shoots. Therefore, the lower eyes lag behind in development and often do not give young shoots.

Spring pruning performed in regions with a temperate climate, autumn - in warm areas, 20 days after the fall of the foliage.

In spring, the procedure is carried out from the moment of sap flow - the sap promotes healing of injuries. If the moment is missed, old shoots and extra young ones are removed.

To form a bush - pluck out the extra eyes on the ash. The tool is sharply sharpened and disinfected in a solution of potassium permanganate. A young vine is cut with a pruner, an old one with a saw. The cut is formed smooth and even, without cracks and splits.

In additional dressing the Primitivo variety does not need. However, on fertilized soils, the vine grows better and faster, bears fruit abundantly and does not get sick. As a foliar dressing, a mullein solution (1:10) is used, the root one is 60 g of superphosphate, 40 g of potassium sulfate. And ready-made mineral complexes are best suited: "Master", "Plantafol", "Aquarin", "Novofert".

For protection use "Azofos", copper sulfate, "Quadris", "Cumulus", colloidal sulfur. From mites use acaricides. Antifungal treatment is carried out in the summer with "Ridomil" or "Topaz" as the berries reach the size of a pea. Also, in the middle of summer, fungicides are used, and in the fall, iron sulfate.

Disease and pest control

The Primitivo variety is resistant to most fungal diseases. To protect against powdery mildew and peronosporosis, use "Quadris", "Azofos", "Cumulus", colloidal sulfur once before flowering.

To prevent the spread of felt mites, planting process 3% copper sulfate solution before flowering.

Harvesting and storage

Harvesting begins in August with a dry, sunny day. Berries that have reached technical ripeness can be left on the vine, but it is recommended to harvest the crop in rainy weather. To prevent decay, the bunches are periodically thinned out.

The bunch is supported from below and cut with pruning shears next to the shoot. It is important to keep the waxy bloom on the berries. It is he who contributes to a long storage of crops... Rotten and dry, unripe and overripe berries are carefully removed.

The bottom of the wooden boxes is lined with newspaper, and the grapes are folded up with straw or paper.The container is placed in a cool dry place, periodically checking the condition of the crop.

For storage grapes accommodate barrels with a volume of 10-15 kg. A layer of dry cork powder is poured onto the bottom and the bunches are laid in layers. The containers are placed in a dry and cool room. This method keeps the grapes fresh for up to six months.

The optimum air temperature is 0 ... + 8 ° С, humidity is 65-70%. The room is pre-ventilated, a general cleaning is carried out and the walls are whitewashed with lime. To eliminate excess dampness, lumps of quicklime are placed in the corners.

When a fungus appears on the walls, the room is fumigated with a sulfur or sulfur wick.

When the air temperature rises, the cellar is ventilated; when the temperature drops, electric heaters are installed.

Conclusion

The Primitivo grape variety and its counterpart Zinfandel have an interesting history of origin. The Italians are confident that his homeland is southern Apulia, in the United States for a long time he was considered "the most American variety", and the Croats claim that its ancestor is the ancient Tribidrag variety. Despite the unclear ancestry, the wines from this grape are popular all over the world. Fortified, dry and semi-sweet, with a rich aroma and tart taste, they perfectly complement meat, pasta, risotto and desserts.

The plant is undemanding to the type of soil and growing conditions, rarely gets sick, but at the same time prefers areas with a sufficient amount of sunlight.