Primitivo IGT Puglia 2023 – Azienda Agricola Kerinos

Primitivo IGT Puglia 2023 by Kerinos is the perfect balance of richness and finesse. Its juicy black cherry and plum flavours, combined with silky tannins and a refined finish, create an irresistible drinking experience.
This organic red embodies Puglia’s sun-drenched terroir, making it a must-try for lovers of bold yet elegant wines. 

Azienda Agricola Kerinos

The winery sits in northern Puglia, on the elevated lands surrounding the legendary Tavoliere. This region is rich in history and deeply connected to agriculture. As Italy’s third-largest agricultural plain, it follows the natural rhythm of the land, where tradition and cultivation shape daily life.

Here, the vineyards lie closer to the sea than to the inland terrain, with just a few kilometers separating the grapevines from the seawater. The medium-textured soils, rich in limestone, tell the story of a land once submerged by the sea. This geological past now influences the mild and balanced climate, creating ideal conditions for viticulture.

The area between Gravina and Gargano flourishes with diverse flora and fauna, thanks to its unique natural heritage. Nature plays a key role in shaping the landscape, enhancing both its biodiversity and winemaking potential.

Primitivo

The name Primitivo comes from the Italian word Primaticcio, meaning “first to ripen.” True to its name, it is among the earliest harvested grapes in Italy, usually picked in August.
This bold red variety thrives in Puglia, particularly in two distinct areas: the red soils of Taranto, where it produces Primitivo di Manduria, and the hills of Gioia del Colle in Bari, within the Murgia uplands.

Primitivo vines are moderately vigorous and mature early, yielding low to medium quantities. They are highly sensitive to drought, spring frosts, flower abortion, and extreme heat. The biggest challenge in cultivating Primitivo is its rapid over-ripening, which can occur within days, leading to shrivelling berries and a rapid loss of acidity and freshness.
The grape clusters are small, elongated, and loosely packed, with thin and delicate skins. This sensitivity makes them vulnerable to humidity and mold.

Primitivo reaches high alcohol levels with ease. Historically, winemakers used it to fortify more famous wines in France and Northern Italy. Known as Zinfandel in the USA, genetic studies in 1994 confirmed that the two varieties are identical.