Kratasija is a synonym for the well-known Zinfandel grape variety. After long, exciting research and comparisons, it turned out that the grape variety that comes from Croatia, specifically Dalmatia, is identical to the Primitivo in Italy and the Zinfandel in California. For a long time, people had followed a trail from Zinfandel via Primitivo to Plavac Mali in Croatia. But now there is certainty: Plavac Mali is a different variety, and Primitivo and Zinfandel have the same origin, the Tribidrag. That alone would be an exciting story in itself. The late-ripening Tribidrag is ideal for a warm, Mediterranean climate. Since it is vigorous, it feels most comfortable on poor soils with good drainage. It is susceptible to putrefactive diseases such as black rot or sour rot. Similar to Zinfandel, the berries ripen differently in the grape, so that ripe and less ripe berries can be next to each other in one grape. Under the name Primitivo, Tribidrag is now widespread in southern Italy and, along with other grape varieties, represents the rise of southern Italy. Under the name Zinfandel, simple, semi-dry rosé wines ("blush"), simple red wines, but also absolute super-premium wines with cult character are produced in California. The name Ridge Winery stands for the latter. Since Tribidrag's correspondence with Zinfandel and Primitivo was established, this variety has recorded rapid growth, mainly in Dalmatia. Tribidrag is also common in Montenegro and the Republic of Macedonia under the name Kratosija. In addition to California, where it has long been established as Zinfandel, Australia is also increasingly interested in this variety.
