For those of you unfamiliar with Primitivo, it's a close cousin to Zinfandel (and what great Zins come from Sonoma!), and in fact DNA testing has shown that it's nearly identical to Zinfandel grapes. The Primitivo is commonly grown in the "heel" of Italy, producing wonderful wines with bountiful fruit, and a somewhat higher alcohol content. Now, in the mid-19th century, the Primitivo grape was brought to California where it took on the "Zinfandel" name, and today produces a great red wine, along with it blush sister, the White Zinfandel which is quite popular in the United States, though I couldn't begin to tell you why!
The D-Cubed Primitivo has a nose full of fruit, and a quick whiff will surely tell you this is a more fruit-forward red than many of the dry Bordeaux style blends. You can smell hints of blackberry and cherry, which a bit of woody earthiness. The taste is wonderfully loaded with fruit, so much that it almost makes you think it's sweeter than it is. As it hits the back of your mouth, you get a great hint of spice and cedar before a clean smooth finish. This wine would be great as a later dinner pairing with a cheese plate, particularly with some stronger cheeses (tonight I enjoyed it with a little aged swiss). I got this one as a Wines Till Sold Out Cheapskate Wednesday selection, and I really enjoyed it. I would rate this one a solid 8.5, particularly given the wonderful price of only $13!
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