Primosic, Klin Bianco, Collio, 2020
Primosic, Klin Bianco, Collio, 2020
- 75cl
- 13%
- White Still
- Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2030
Primosic's Klin Bianco represents the thoughtful blending that makes Friuli's white wines so compelling. This estate has been quietly perfecting their craft in the Collio hills since 1967, where the amphitheatre-like vineyards catch every shift in the alpine breeze. The 2020 brings together Friulano's texture, Pinot Grigio's precision, and Sauvignon Blanc's aromatic lift into something that feels both typically Friulian and distinctly Primosic.
We find this wine at a lovely drinking moment now, showing the primary freshness that makes Collio whites so food-friendly whilst hinting at the complexity that will develop over the next few years. Drink until 2030 whilst the fruit remains bright and the mineral backbone keeps everything in line.
Currently showing at its most vibrant, with primary fruit flavours dominating and the mineral backbone providing structure rather than complexity. Over the next two years, we expect the citrus notes to integrate more fully with the stone fruit, whilst the herbaceous qualities will soften and become more nuanced. The ponca soil influence should become more pronounced, adding layers of mineral complexity that will peak around 2028. Beyond 2030, the fresh fruit character will begin to fade, though the wine may develop interesting tertiary notes for those who enjoy more evolved whites. This is fundamentally a wine built for relatively early consumption whilst its natural tension remains intact.
What the critics say:
"An almondy wine with elderflowers, yellow peaches and white pepper. Layered and textured, with a medium body, weight, crisp acidity and a chewy finish of brilliant freshness. Savory. Drink now."
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale straw with green highlights and excellent clarity.
NoseClean citrus blossom and white peach rise first, followed by subtle herbs and a distinct mineral lift. There's a gentle floral note that speaks to the Friulano component, whilst the Sauvignon Blanc adds a touch of elderflower without dominating. The overall impression is fresh and inviting.
PalateMedium-bodied with excellent balance between fruit and acidity. The citrus flavours carry through with added weight from stone fruit, whilst the ponca soil influence shows as a saline minerality that runs through the mid-palate. The texture has enough richness to satisfy without feeling heavy, and there's a herbaceous quality that adds interest without turning green.
FinishClean and persistent with citrus peel and mineral notes lingering pleasantly.
Overall impressionA well-crafted blend that showcases Collio's ability to create complex yet approachable whites.
Food Pairings
In Friuli, this style of white would naturally accompany the region's distinctive prosciutto di San Daniele, where the wine's acidity cuts through the ham's richness whilst the mineral backbone complements the meat's saline cure. Locals would also reach for it with frico, the traditional cheese and potato cake that demands a wine with both freshness and weight. The herbaceous qualities make it perfect with spring vegetables and the wild asparagus that grows abundant in Collio's hills, whilst the citrus notes pair beautifully with the Adriatic seafood that appears in local trattorias. In autumn, it's often served alongside pumpkin gnocchi with aged Montasio cheese, where the wine's texture holds up to the rich, nutty flavours.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C to emphasise the citrus freshness and mineral precision. No decanting needed - this wine shows best when opened and poured immediately, allowing its natural elegance to shine without unnecessary aeration. Use a medium-sized white wine glass that will concentrate the delicate aromatics without overwhelming them. The wine benefits from being consumed within a few hours of opening, as extended exposure tends to flatten the mineral lift that makes it so appealing.
The Klin vineyard sits on the characteristic ponca soils of Collio - a mix of marl and sandstone that provides excellent drainage whilst retaining enough moisture for slow, even ripening. At 150-200 metres elevation, the vines benefit from significant diurnal temperature variation, with cool nights preserving acidity and warm days developing flavour complexity. The proximity to the Alps brings regular thermal currents that keep the fruit fresh even in warmer vintages, whilst the soil's mineral content contributes the saline backbone that defines great Collio whites.
Collio represents the pinnacle of Friulian white wine production, a small zone of amphitheatre-shaped hills along the Slovenian border where the Alps meet the Adriatic. The DOC regulations emphasise quality over quantity, with strict yield limits and a focus on international varieties alongside indigenous Friulano. Unlike the flatter Friuli Grave to the south, Collio's elevation and ponca soils create wines with distinct mineral tension and aromatic complexity. The zone's reputation rests on whites that combine immediate appeal with surprising ageability, setting the standard for northeast Italian winemaking.
The 2020 vintage in Friuli arrived with a peculiar rhythm that kept producers on their toes. A warm, dry summer gave way to timely September rains that refreshed the vines just when they needed it most, allowing for extended hang time without the stress. The harvest stretched longer than usual, with growers able to pick each variety at optimal ripeness rather than racing against the clock.
What emerged was a vintage of surprising precision and energy. The whites show remarkable freshness alongside their concentration—Friulano with its characteristic almond bite intact, Pinot Grigio that actually tastes of something, and Sauvignon Blanc that manages to be both vibrant and substantial. The reds, particularly Refosco and the Bordeaux varieties in Grave del Friuli, display lovely fruit purity without the jammy heaviness that can plague warm years. Most are drinking beautifully now and should continue to reward patience until 2028.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Fresh and mineral-driven with crisp citrus, white stone fruit, and subtle herbs, finishing with a clean, saline note typical of Collio whites.
When should I drink this wine?
Perfect for drinking now whilst the fruit is bright and fresh, and will remain at its best until 2030.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Excellent with seafood, light pasta dishes, soft cheeses, or classic Italian antipasti - the acidity and mineral backbone make it very food-friendly.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C in a medium white wine glass. No decanting needed - just open and pour.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
This is designed for relatively early drinking. Whilst it will develop some complexity over 2-3 years, it's best enjoyed whilst the fresh fruit character remains vibrant.
What makes Collio wines special?
Collio's unique ponca soils and alpine influence create whites with distinctive mineral tension and aromatic complexity that set them apart from other Italian regions.
OUR GROWERS
Primosic
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