An outstanding example of Collio’s white wine potential. Made from three local varieties: Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana, and Friulano. I found this wine to be both round and complex with wet stone minerality, a touch of creaminess from lees aging, baked pear and apple. While enjoying this wine, it is clear the winemaker, Robert Princic, is taking every step to gently improve what the year has provided. Like all Gradis’ciutta wine, the wine is farmed organically and sustainably. The winery started down this path after noticing a decline in their farmer’s health that they associated with chemical use. Since becoming organic and more sustainable, the winery notes that they’ve seen an increase in quality and a reduction in heavy metals in their soils. Even better, Gradis’ciutta intends to increase production of this wine in coming years. Be on the lookout.
Gradis’ciutta, Collio (Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy) 2017
By Vince Simmon