Gradis’ciutta, Collio (Italy) Sauvignon 2020

 Collio remains relatively little-known in many parts of the world, but this small region tucked in next to Slovenia in the northeastern corner of the country is among Italy’s premier growing regions.  For now, that’s a judgment mostly applicable to white varieties, though the reds are also very good and evidently getting better each year (no doubt with the assistance of climate change).  Many white varieties are grown in Collio, and though this could seem like hype, all of them do very well, and all show a shared terroir signature:  Relatively ripe and rich in profile, with good varietal typicity, but energetic despite their richness thanks to well integrated acidity.  In writing that, I’ve essentially pre-empted my tasting note, but all of that verbiage applies.  The aromas and flavors show balanced ripeness that expresses itself in both green, herbal notes as well as subtle tropical suggestions, making for a balanced, layered, satisfying rendering of Sauvignon Blanc (though the variety is just called “Sauvignon” in Italy’s northeast, which suffices just fine).