Black soil is of alluvial origin and consists of actual dark soil deposits originated from the decomposition of organic material (ancient forests) and rock erosion. These lands are sometimes marshy and deep, but also fertile and productive. The harvest in black soil takes place in mid/late September, obtaining a very spicy Primitivo, with notes of black pepper, rhubarb and liquorice together with a dense and persistent tannic structure. The aging in French and American wood enhances the mentholated and balsamic notes of this Cru. It was here that they over grafted the Californian Zinfandel scions coming from one of the most important vineyards in America: the famous Ridge Geyserville. Zinfandel and Primitivo – it is now proven – are genetically identical. Twenty years ago, however, the only way to study their relation was to have them planted side by side.
