Our favorite tome for the characteristics of grape varieties is the encyclopedic Wine Grapes—1,242 pages covering an amazing 1,368 wine grape varieties—by Robinson, Harding and Vouillamoz. Each variety is discussed in detail with regards to its viticulture, wine character, history and country of origin. The name given to each variety is determined by the country of origin which seems logical but sometimes is a little confusing. Zinfandel's origins are in Croatia so if you are searching for Zinfandel—or Primitivo—the entry is “see Tribidrag.” Zinfandel was originally thought to come from Puglia, Italy where it is known as Primitivo. Although Zinfandel and Primitivo are the same grape variety, nurseries have imported clones of Primitivo from Puglia and in California they are not considered synonyms but separate varieties. A California wine produced from Primitivo grapes cannot be labeled as Zinfandel, but ironically the TTB has allowed imported Puglia wines to be labeled as Zinfandel.

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