Wine review: Primosic Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019 Collio DOC Italy

Ottawa, Canada

December 2023:

Matt’s review: Collio DOC is a relatively small yet geographically diverse region, with the majestic Julian Alps (and Austria) to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south. Driving around you’ll find yourself crisscrossing the region’s shared border with Slovenia, adding an intriguing cross-cultural element which is evident when visiting and speaking with different generations as they share their tales from the region’s complex 20th century history.

If you’re not familiar with this region take note as they produce some of the most complex and sought after white wines in Italy making them difficult to source given the high demand and relatively low production. This is precisely why Collio DOC might be the best wine region you’ve yet to discover.

The most memorable Orange Wine (extended skin contact white wine) I tasted in 2023 was from an Italian producer located in the storied Collio DOC region, and more precisely in Oslavia on the eastern border of Italy and Slovenia where they’re renowned for their long history with producing exceptionally well structured Orange Wines. An important part of the Collio terroir is the Ponca soil, a mixture of marine sedimentary soils consisting of alternating layers of chalky-clay and sandstone. It’s these soils that are responsible for producing some of the finest white wines in Italy, rivalling ultra premium wines produced in Burgundy and Bordeaux too.

The wine is Primosic’s Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019. A beautiful amber colour, thanks to four weeks of maceration extracting all that colour (flavour, texture, and structure too) from the grape skins and seeds. The nose is super expressive with a delicious aromatic profile showing apricot, candied mandarin, tomato leaf, and balsamic/resin notes. Medium+ body, this super textured wine has beautiful refreshing mineral and orchard fruit finish. Primosic’s Ribolla Gialla Riserva is super versatile making a great pairing choice with Asian cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, or traditional holiday roasts. Enjoy around cellar temperature and drink over the next decade. Tasted May 2023. 94 points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca