Tag Archives: Grifone Primitivo

Grifone Primitivo

Cost: Average price $5

Where buy now: Trader Joe’s for $3.99. ***2015 UPDATE now $4.99

Grapes: Primitivo

Region: Italy

Vintage: 2010

Grifone Primitivo

I truly was skeptical when I saw this Grifone Italian Primitivo at such a price point (insert infomercial joke here). I [stupidly] asked the sales clerk what he thought of it. (Ugh, remember when I did that with the Rosé and it turned out to be useless swill?) Well, in true TJ’s form, he said it was “really good for the price”. Great, thanks. Dare I plunk down $4 knowing I’ve had such stinkers from TJ’s as of late? Throw good booze money after bad? Well, “they cannot _all_ be stinkers” I thought, so I took the $4 gamble.

Primitivo is a grape that most similarly resembles the Zinfandel grape. Some even say that Zinfandel grapes are the same or born out of Primitivo grapes. Hell, check out the label, which says “Old Vine Zinfandel” right on the front. So, let the great debate continue! Either way, I say if you like one, you’re more than likely going to enjoy the other.

Also, like Zin, Primitivo is a great BBQ wine. This wine will fit in nicely with your weeknight hamburger and hot dog grilling plans or could pair with anything slathered in BBQ sauce.

“Anything, Savvy Lush?”

Well, anything you would slather BBQ sauce on in front of your grandmother, at least.

The taste of this Primitivo is fairly mild with notes of cherry and jammy spice. The nose isn’t anything special, and finish is rather fleeting but really, who cares?!? Easy drinking, smooth and pleasing, this is classic “Skank”. But, if you’re truly worried, make sure you have some dark chocolate on hand-never a bad idea.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It’s advertised as a limited selection so I’m telling y’all, get off yer arse and get yours ASAP.