In 2002, the intention was to seek more clues about Zinfandel’s origin. During a visit to a vineyard in Omiš, a team made an interesting re-discovery when they came across a grape that bore a striking resemblance to Zinfandel.

However, the locals referred to it as Pribidrag, which closely resembled the name Tribidrag mentioned first in 15th-century literature. 

Further research revealed that Tribidrag was actually a highly regarded court wine during the period of Venice’s dominance in the Mediterranean, which sheds light on the historical significance of the grape. 

Although, once one of the most planted grape varieties in Dalmatia, during the late 19th century, in its country of origin, the variety began to be neglected. Especially after the arrival of downy mildew, powdery mildew, and phylloxera from America. 

After Apulia, Crljenak, under the new name Zinfandel, in the early twenties of the 19th century, was brought to the US, from the Imperial State Nursery in Vienna.

Back in the day, Imperial State Nursery housed numerous varieties planted along the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy. Within a few decades, Zinfandel became the most planted and popular American red grape variety.

While the names Primitivo and Zinfandel were first mentioned in 1799 and 1837, respectively, references to Tribidrag can be traced back to the 15th century.

Etymologically, the name Tribidrag is derived from the Greek language and translates to “early ripening.” Similarly, the Italian name for this variety, derived from the Latin language, is primativus, which means “the first to ripen.”