White Varietals

Red Varietals

Is it Zinfandel or Primitivo?

Zinfandel [ZIHN-fuhn-dehl]
Grape that is considered California's red-wine grape because it's not widely grown in other parts of the world. Zinfandel vines were brought to California by agoston haraszthy (known as "the father of California wine") in the 1850s. By the 1880s this variety was rapidly gaining acceptance by California growers, and it is now that state's most extensively planted red grape. For years Zinfandel's origins were very mysterious. Now, however, a remote relationship between Zinfandel and Primitivo (a variety grown in Italy's puglia region) has been established.

Bottom Line:  They are not the same.  They have different grape sizes, a different ripening pattern, different leaves, and most importantly different characteristics.  I guess calling a Zinfandel a Primitivo is in fashion for some California wineries but they are not accurate.