2023 Primitivo

Tasting Notes

Primitivo stands apart with pronounced notes of spice, leather, and earth, making it consistently the most elegant and nuanced Zinfandel produced at Lava Cap. Lighter, more earthy, and crunchy acidity. Great with pizza, pasta, and pork dishes.

Vineyard Notes

Primitivo, commonly known as “Italian Zinfandel,” is genetically identical to Zinfandel but expresses itself in entirely distinct ways. Originating from Italy’s Puglia region, the Primitivo clone ripens roughly two weeks earlier than our heritage California Zinfandel clones, typically with lower sugars and higher natural acidity.

At Lava Cap, our Estate Primitivo vines are head-trained and situated on the highest-elevation slopes of the vineyard, where the soil is rocky and exceptionally welldraining,
with large granite boulders scattered amid volcanic debris. Facing southwest, this area receives abundant sunlight, making Primitivo among the earliest red grapes harvested each vintage

Winemaker Notes

Our 2023 Primitivo was hand-picked in the cool morning hours to retain freshness, then destemmed and gently crushed at the winery. Fermented at lower temperatures to enhance aromatics and preserve delicacy, the wine aged gracefully for 18 months in 100% neutral French oak barrels, allowing its distinctive varietal character to shine.