Primosic, Ribolla Gialla, IGT, 2023
Primosic, Ribolla Gialla, IGT, 2023
- 75cl
- 12.5%
- White Still
- Ribolla Gialla
Couldn't load pickup availability
Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2030
Est. delivery in June, 2026
Primosic crafts this Ribolla Gialla from vineyards perched on the Collio hills, where the limestone-rich soils and cool breezes from the Alps give this ancient Friulian variety its distinctive mineral backbone. We find their 2023 captures everything we love about Ribolla: that taut, almost saline tension that makes your mouth water, wrapped around bright citrus and delicate white flowers.
This is Ribolla at its most pure and expressive, drinking beautifully now with that characteristic bite of acidity that makes it such a brilliant aperitif wine. The Primosic family has been perfecting this style for decades, and it shows in the wine's precision and clarity. Drink until 2030 whilst the fruit remains vibrant.
This 2023 Ribolla Gialla is drinking at its peak now, with primary citrus and floral aromas fully integrated and the characteristic mineral tension beautifully balanced. Over the next two years, the wine will maintain its vibrant acidity whilst developing subtle herbal complexity and a more pronounced saline character. The fresh fruit flavours will gradually soften and integrate further, though the wine's essential character will remain unchanged. By 2030, the primary fruit will begin to fade, making way for more pronounced mineral and herbal notes, though the wine may lose some of its youthful charm and precision.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale straw yellow with brilliant clarity and a hint of green around the rim.
NoseDelicate white flowers and lime zest lead, followed by subtle herbs and a distinctive mineral edge that speaks of limestone soils. There's a clean, almost saline quality that draws you back to the glass.
PalateCrisp and taut with vibrant acidity that carries flavours of green apple, white grapefruit, and fresh herbs. The mineral backbone provides structure whilst maintaining an elegant, almost weightless feel. A subtle bitter almond note adds complexity without overwhelming the delicate fruit.
FinishClean and persistent with lingering citrus and a distinctive saline minerality that makes you reach for another sip.
Overall impressionThis is Ribolla Gialla at its most pure and expressive, offering immediate pleasure whilst showcasing the variety's unique character.
Food Pairings
In Friuli, Ribolla Gialla traditionally accompanies the region's distinctive prosciutto di San Daniele, where the wine's acidity cuts through the ham's richness whilst its mineral edge complements the meat's delicate saltiness. Locals also pair it with frico, the crispy Friulian cheese and potato pancake, and fresh seafood from the nearby Adriatic like branzino crudo with olive oil and lemon. The wine's saline character makes it perfect with the region's characteristic dishes featuring herbs like rosemary and sage, particularly with grilled orata or simple preparations of local mountain trout.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well chilled at 8-10°C to preserve its crisp acidity and delicate aromatics. No need to decant this wine, which shows best when poured directly from a chilled bottle. Use a medium-sized white wine glass to concentrate the subtle aromatics whilst allowing the mineral character to express itself. The wine benefits from being opened just before serving to maintain its fresh, vibrant character.
Primošic's vineyards sit on the steep slopes of Oslavia in Collio, where the soils are predominantly limestone and marl known locally as 'ponca'. These calcium-rich soils drain well and reflect heat back to the vines, whilst cool breezes from the nearby Alps maintain crucial acidity in the grapes. The vineyards face south and southwest at altitudes between 80-150 metres, creating a microclimate that allows Ribolla Gialla to ripen slowly whilst retaining its characteristic mineral tension and vibrant acidity.
IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) is Italy's most flexible wine classification, allowing winemakers creative freedom whilst maintaining regional identity. In Friuli, IGT status often indicates wines made from traditional local varieties like Ribolla Gialla that don't fit into the stricter DOC regulations. This classification has become increasingly prestigious as quality-focused producers use it to craft distinctive wines that express their specific terroir. IGT Friuli wines can showcase indigenous varieties and innovative winemaking techniques whilst maintaining strong ties to their regional character.
The 2023 vintage in Friuli arrived with the kind of drama that keeps vignerons on their toes. Spring delivered abundant rainfall that had producers nervously eyeing their canopies, followed by a summer that swung between scorching heat and welcome relief from Atlantic weather systems. The key proved to be August's cooler nights, which allowed the vines to reset before a dry, sunny September harvest that stretched well into October for the later-ripening varieties.
What emerged from this climatic rollercoaster are wines that capture Friuli's essence with particular clarity. The Pinot Grigio shows more texture and mineral backbone than we've seen in recent years, while Friulano has that distinctive almond-bitter finish singing louder than usual. Sauvignon Blanc from the hillside sites turned out especially well, with the extended hang time building weight without losing that piercing clarity the region does so well. Most 2023s are drinking beautifully now, though the better Ribolla Gialla and Friulano will reward patience until 2027.
FAQs
What does Ribolla Gialla taste like?
It's a crisp, mineral-driven white wine with bright citrus flavours, white flowers, and a distinctive saline finish that's both refreshing and sophisticated.
When should I drink this wine?
This 2023 vintage is perfect now and will remain at its best until 2030, whilst the fruit stays vibrant and the acidity remains crisp.
What food pairs well with Ribolla Gialla?
Excellent as an aperitif, or pair with seafood, light pasta dishes, prosciutto, or anything requiring a wine with bright acidity and mineral backbone.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve well chilled at 8-10°C in a medium white wine glass, no need to decant, and open just before serving to maintain freshness.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
This is best enjoyed for its youthful freshness rather than aged, though it will develop interesting herbal complexity over the next few years if properly stored.
What makes Primošic special?
They're specialists in indigenous Friulian varieties, farming steep limestone slopes in Collio where the unique ponca soils give their wines distinctive mineral character and precision.
OUR GROWERS
Primosic
Explore related wines
-
-
Speak to one of our Wine Gurus
Speak to a Wine GuruWith years of experience, our team can help you with all your wine buying and selling needs