The origin of Zinfandel, the important California wine cultivar, has been a question for several decades. Although Zinfandel has been linked to both Primitivo, grown in southern Italy, and to Plavac mali in Croatia, the puzzle of its origin has never been solved. Many scientists and writers have applied themselves to this question. Many hypotheses have been proposed and some erroneous ideas have been widely accepted. Much of the controversy will now be ended as a result of recent scientific research (Pejić and co-workers, 2000). Here we review the research and written documentation about Plavac mali, Zinfandel and Primitivo and their relationships and we present the results of recent research.

Vitis vinifera L.; Plavac mali; Primitivo; Zinfandel

Published by University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagreb, CROATIA
Sponsored by Ministry Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia