New in the tasting room this month–and my current favorite on the tasting list–is the 2009 Primitivo. The name Primitivo is Italian for Zinfandel, an ancient grape that originates in Croatia under the name Crljenak Kastelanski.
In Italy, Primitivo is the pride of Puglia (the “boot heel” region of southern Italy) where it was brought from Croatia in the mid 1700′s. A priest there gave the variety the Latin name Primativus when he noticed it was the first in his vineyard to ripen.
For several hundred years Primitivo was used primarily as a blending grape providing body, color and flavor to red table wines of the Puglia region.
It wasn’t until the latter half of the 1900′s that it truly made a name for itself as a varietal wine. In fact, finding a bottle of Primitivo on an enoteca shelf anywhere north of Rome prior to the 1980′s was a rarity indeed. Today Primitivo is exceptionally popular and can be found in wine shops and fine restaurants around the globe.
Click image to enlarge:
Carlos Mascherin, Santa Barbara Winery
Tony and Kristen hanging Paintings. Don holding a wine tasting class for his wait staff. Nathan getting the kitchen working.
Opening Thusrsday November 10.
For reservations call: 805 969 7520 or Open Table
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