Zinfandel is red grape originally from Italy where it is known as Primitivo. Famous in Californian, it accounts for about 10% of the vineyards planted.

There is a steadily growing interest in Australia, where about 70 wineries are producing the variety. It is a big, rich wine with generous palate weight. The wine has been more successful in the warmer regions of Australia such as the Riverina, Barossa Valley, Mudgee and McLaren Vale. However there are now smaller producers making a lighter and spicier wines.

It is grown all across California though seems to perform best in areas which combine hot days and cool nights. Zinfandel produces a ranges of styles from light, jammy, through to full-bodied, robust, oak aged wines brimming with ripe, peppery and cassis. The best Zinfandel ages extremely well.

Most Primitivo is grown in Puglia, Italy, where the main three DOC areas are Primitivo di Manduria, Gioia del Colle Primitivo and Falerno del Massico Primitivo.