Grape Varietals
Primitivo of Puglia and Zinfandel of California are, in DNA terms, the same grape. A Tokyo-based Italian wine importer explains wine's surprising blood ties, where varieties that look separate turn out to be relatives, and how that makes choosing wine more fun.
Discover Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, the bold, dry red wine grape of Italy's Adriatic-facing Abruzzo region. From the variety's characteristics and history to wine styles and food pairing, a complete guide to one of Italy's most celebrated red grape varieties.
An indigenous grape grown in Puglia's Salento peninsula for over 2,800 years. Learn the story behind its unique "double-black" name, its bold tannic character, and how to pair it with Japanese cuisine.
Did you know Primitivo and Zinfandel are actually the same grape variety? We explain the surprising truth revealed by a 1994 DNA study, and how to enjoy Puglia's bold red wines.
Syrah (known as Shiraz in Australia) is a red wine grape from France's Rhône Valley, celebrated for black pepper, dark berries, and impressive depth. Explore its DNA-proven origins, regional styles from France to Australia, and how it pairs with Japanese cuisine.
Zinfandel and Primitivo are actually the same grape variety. Discover the full story of this fruit-forward red wine known by different names in California and Italy's Puglia, from its DNA-proven history to pairing with Japanese cuisine.