This month Wine Club got together and tried a Primitivo from Italy and a Zinfandel from California. Primitivo and Zinfandel are genetically the same grape. I have tried a number of Zinfandels but have never tried Primitivo before so I was curious to see how Italy would craft the wine compared to its California cousin.
Here is the LCBO Information –
CIGNOMORO PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2007
VINTAGES 211078
750 mL bottle
Price: $ 19.95
Wine, Red Wine
15.2% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: Puglia, Italy
By: Cignomoro
Release Date: May 14, 2011
Tasting Note - A very intriguing and complex nose offering aromas of spiced plum, vanilla, new leather and smoked meat. Dry with a sweet fruit core, fine tannins, good weight and a generous mouthfeel, this is a powerhouse of a wine. Full bodied with a medium-long finish. Enjoy with grilled bison steaks, or lamb chops. (VINTAGES panel, March 2011)
NAPA CELLARS ZINFANDEL 2008
VINTAGES 126607
750 mL bottle
Price: $ 24.95
Wine, Red Wine
14.9% Alcohol/Vol.
Sugar Content : XD
Made in: California, USA
By: Sutter Home Winery
Release Date: May 14, 2011
Description - An unbeatable value from Napa Valley, this intensely fruity Zinfandel is sourced mainly from the warmer sub-appellations of Calistoga, St. Helena and Pope Valley. Notes of blackberry, pepper, smoke and spice on the nose. The palate proffers delicious fruit and spice supported by gentle tannins. The finish is long and luxurious. This Zinfandel-lover's dream makes an ideal companion for barbecued baby back ribs, or pulled-pork sandwiches with a robust sauce.
The Primitivo was the take home bottle for Wine Club whereas the Zinfandel was the comparison bottle. The nose on the Zinfandel was typical California Zinfandel with big aromas of Strawberry/Blackberry/Raspberry with a touch of eucalyptus in the background. The Primitivo had more of an earthy aroma to it with loam, all spice and plum being the main aromas. Tasting the Zinfandel you initially got sour cherry as the flavour but it finished with more of strawberry flavour to it. The Primitivo flavours were a combination of plum and nutmeg.
Erik, a Wine Club member, bought in Chili, three strong cheeses and fresh baguettes to go with the wines. All of the foods were an excellent pairing with the wines. I liked the Zinfandel more than the Primitivo on its own; the big fruit flavours made it a very easy to drink wine. With the food I really liked the Primitivo as the Zinfandel got a touch lost aginist the food whereas the fruit in the Primitivo came more to the forefront and made it an amazing pairing.
Both wines were enjoyed by Wine Club and opinions on which was better were split right down the middle. I liked that while both wines were very different in style and taste and yet both wines were very good in their own unique ways.
Cheers!
Mark
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