Primitivo

Like Zinfandel, a descendant of Croatia's Crljenak Kaštelanski, Primitivo is mostly grown in the southern Italian province of Puglia. Since it's links relating it to California's Zinfandel surfaced, plantings have increased significantly. Primitivo is more rustic in character - albeit in a charming way- when compared to its trans-Atlantic cousin. However, it is similarly capable of producing high alcohol wines, easily reaching 16% alcohol.