Primosic, Sauvignon Blanc, Collio, 2023
Primosic, Sauvignon Blanc, Collio, 2023
- 75cl
- 12.5%
- White Still
- Sauvignon Blanc
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2028
Est. delivery in June, 2026
Primosic crafts one of the Collio's most expressive Sauvignon Blancs from their hillside vineyards overlooking the Slovenian border. This 2023 captures everything we love about the variety here: that distinctive balance between Loire-like mineral precision and New World fruit intensity that only seems to happen in this corner of Friuli.
The wine shows classic varietal character with bright citrus and stone fruit, but there's a herbaceous complexity and mineral backbone that speaks to the region's unique terroir of limestone and marl. Ready to drink now and perfect over the next couple of years whilst that primary fruit remains vibrant.
This 2023 is drinking beautifully now in its primary fruit phase, with vibrant citrus and stone fruit dominating. Over the next year, expect the herbaceous notes to integrate further whilst maintaining that distinctive mineral backbone. By 2027-2028, the wine will start to show more honeyed complexity but may lose some of its current bright intensity. This style is best enjoyed within 2-3 years of vintage to capture the full aromatic expression.
Tasting Notes
AppearancePale straw yellow with brilliant clarity and a faint green tinge at the rim.
NoseImmediately aromatic with fresh grapefruit and lime zest leading into white peach and passion fruit. There's a distinctive herbaceous quality - fresh cut grass and nettle - alongside subtle floral notes of elderflower and acacia blossom. A mineral undertone of wet stone adds complexity.
PalateBright and focused with crisp acidity driving flavours of citrus pith and green apple. The mid-palate shows riper stone fruit - white peach and apricot - balanced by that characteristic Collio minerality. There's a pleasant textural weight without heaviness, and the herbaceous notes from the nose carry through seamlessly.
FinishClean and persistent with lingering citrus and a distinctive saline minerality that calls for another sip.
Overall impressionA textbook example of why Collio Sauvignon Blanc deserves serious attention - all the varietal character you want with real sense of place.
Food Pairings
In Friuli, this would naturally accompany the region's famous prosciutto di San Daniele, where the wine's acidity cuts through the sweet, salty ham beautifully. Locals would also pair it with fresh seafood from the nearby Adriatic - perhaps branzino al sale or crudo di ricciola with just olive oil and lemon. The herbaceous character makes it perfect with the wild herbs and asparagus that grow abundantly in the Collio hills, often served with fresh goat's cheese from local farms.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C in a medium-sized white wine glass to concentrate the aromatics. No decanting needed - this wine is all about primary fruit and freshness, so serve it straight from the bottle. A Burgundy-style glass works well to capture the complex aromatics whilst maintaining the crisp, focused character.
The vineyards sit on the steep hills of Collio at 150-300 metres elevation, planted on the region's characteristic ponca soils - a mixture of limestone, sandstone, and marl dating back 50 million years. The cool alpine influences from the north combine with warm Mediterranean breezes from the Adriatic, creating ideal conditions for aromatic varieties. These mineral-rich soils impart the distinctive saline minerality that sets Collio wines apart from other Italian Sauvignon Blancs.
Collio DOC straddles the Italian-Slovenian border in Friuli, recognised as one of Italy's premier white wine regions. The appellation is famous for its ponca soils and unique microclimate that produces whites with exceptional aromatic intensity and mineral complexity. Unlike the flatter Grave del Friuli to the south, Collio's hillside sites benefit from dramatic diurnal temperature variation, preserving acidity whilst developing full phenolic ripeness.
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 this Sauvignon Blanc taste like?
Fresh and mineral-driven with bright citrus, white peach, and distinctive herbaceous notes, balanced by crisp acidity and a clean finish.
How is this different from other Sauvignon Blancs?
Collio Sauvignon Blanc combines Loire-like minerality with more generous fruit than French versions, plus distinctive herbaceous complexity from the unique ponca soils.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Perfect with seafood, goat's cheese, asparagus, and charcuterie - particularly the local prosciutto di San Daniele.
When should I drink this wine?
Best enjoyed now through 2028 whilst the primary fruit remains vibrant and the aromatics are at their peak.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve well-chilled at 8-10°C in a medium white wine glass - no decanting needed, just pour and enjoy.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
This style is designed for near-term drinking - cellar it for a year or two maximum to enjoy the fresh fruit character.
OUR GROWERS
Primosic
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