Gradis’cuitta di Robert Prinic, Collio DOC (Fruili Venezia Giulia, Italy) Ribolla Gialla 2018

 The Princic family have been growing and selling wine grapes in the Collio area of northeastern Italy for a couple of generations.  When Robert Princic completed his wine studies in Oenology and Viticulture in Conegliano in 1997, he decided that they should make wine from their grapes rather than selling them.  This 2018 wine is an example of the wisdom of his decision.  The bright, light golden color and citrus, floral aromas with a touch of white pepper introduce juicy, peachy, orange flavors with a mineral saline note and vibrant acidity.  A 24-hour cryomaceration of the grapes before fermentation and lees contact until bottling adds texture and creaminess to the mouthfeel  According to Ian D’Gata in Native Wine Grapes of Italy.  Ribolla Gialla is “an extremely ancient cultivar native to the hills of Gorizia, but common in nearby Slovenia’s Goriska Brada.”  He also notes that Ribolla Gialla has long been “considered one of Italy’s greatest wines.”