Grape variety Zinfandel (Primitivo): description and characteristics with photo

A vigorous plant has proven to be an excellent yield and unpretentious care. Zinfandel grape variety can grow in various climatic conditions. In a hot climate, the berries ripen remarkably, and often grape stepsons delight with a second harvest. The variety is widely used for the production of various wines. There are vineyards in California that have produced bountiful Zinfandel berries for over 80 years.

A bit of history

In 1820, Gibbs, an amateur gardener, ordered several types of vines from the Schönbrun imperial garden, among which was a prolific black variety originally from Hungary.The gardener had high hopes for this variety. After Gibbs' death, William Robert Prince began selling Zinfandel vines from his nursery in 1832.

In 1850, the variety gained popularity as a red wine. After 12 years, the product was tried by the French winemaker Foret, who highly appreciated the drink. Zinfandel has since spread throughout California.

What variety is this?

In the 1960s, the plant pathologist Goin saw similarities between Zinfandel and Primitivo grapes from Puglia. In the 70s, with the help of isozyme analysis, the identity of the varieties was proved.

Thanks to this, Apulian producers, taking advantage of the popularity of their overseas counterpart, began to label Primitivo wine for export as Zinfandel.

Through research it has been proven that clones of the same variety are:

American Zinfandel;
Italian Primitivo;
Croat Crljenak.

Wine is made from grapes:

dry;
sweet;
white Zinfandel.

Wines from berries grown on vines of at least 50 years of age are valued for richness and intensity of taste and are considered reference wines.

Distinguishing Features

Main characteristics of the variety:

very strong vine growth;
leaves medium, five-lobed, deeply cut;
large clusters are conical;
berries dark purple, small;
fruits ripen unevenly;
endowed with extraordinary sugar accumulation;
high yield;
late maturing;
resistant to oidium and mildew;
undemanding to soils.

Zinfandel wine has a variety of flavors that range from light fruity to complex, as well as sweet, port-like. The peel of the berries is covered with a wax coating, thanks to which the crop is well stored and does not crack at high humidity.

What are the pros and cons?

Cons include:

Berries often ripen unevenly.
Requires lots of sun.
Clusters are dense, causing crop rot. To avoid decay, plantings are regularly inspected and damaged specimens are removed in a timely manner.

Dignity:

high yield;
intensive accumulation of sugar;
high palatability;
unpretentiousness to climatic conditions;
berries make high-alcohol wine.

During the season, the bush gives about 10 kilograms of fruit, subject to proper care.

Selection and timing of planting seedlings

The plant is planted after the frosts have passed - around the beginning of May. For planting choose strong seedlings without damage.

How to plant Zinfandel grapes

It is not necessary to fertilize the soil before planting. But in fertilized soil, the vine will grow better and give a bountiful harvest. The drugs are used in doses. In different years, the plant needs different organic and mineral substances.

A seedling is placed in the prepared hole, then sprinkled with soil and watered abundantly. The space around the plant can be mulched.

Growing and Care Tips

To get a bountiful harvest, the plant is provided with competent care:

Regular pruning. If you ignore the planned pruning, the fruits will become small, and as a result, the plant will run wild. In severe winters, pruning is done in the spring.
Carry out preventive measures against pests. Before the buds swell, they are treated with copper sulphate, then two weeks later and in the middle of summer with fungicides. In winter, it is recommended to treat with iron sulphate.

Due to its unpretentiousness to soil fertility and climate conditions with minimal care, the plant pleases gardeners with a bountiful harvest.

Diseases and pests

The variety has an average resistance to:

Oidium. The disease causes damage to inflorescences and berries. The fight is carried out with the help of contact preparations.
Mildew. The disease causes great damage to the plant. Damages the green part of the crop and the crop.

Possible pests:

Felt mite. The development and spread of the insect is facilitated by dry and hot weather.
Wasps. When the berries ripen, wasps can destroy the crop in a few days. Therefore, the destruction of insects begins before the ripening of the grapes.