Collavini Benedete Ribolla Gialla 2022
A star-bright straw colour frames a fresh, fruit-driven nose lifted by citrus notes of lemon verbena and grapefruit. The clean, tangy palate tempts with a nicely gauged butteriness and a long, lingering finish.
The vineyard is situated in IGT Venezia Giulia at 100 metres above sea-level and has a south facing, sunny orientation with gentle coastal breezes from the Adriatic Sea which keeps the vines dry and healthy. The Alps help to protect the vineyards from cold, northerly winds. Warm days and cool nights offer the perfect combination to allow slow maturation of the grapes, maintaining beautiful balance between natural acidity and sugar levels. The 20-year-old Ribolla Gialla vines are spur cordon and Guyot trained and are planted at a density of 4,800 per hectare. The vines are carefully managed throughout the viticultural year and yield 95 quintals per year. They are grown in 'Ponca', the Eocene soil of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, which is rich in sandstone with alternating layers of marl. The meticulously selected bunches are harvested in small cases during the morning, when the northerly breeze has dried the light veil of nocturnal humidity.
The grapes were harvested during the second half of September and left to macerate at 13°C for six hours. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 15°C for approximately two weeks. The wine was matured in stainless steel until the following spring, retaining the freshness and purity of fruit.
| RRP | £18.50 |
| Vintage | 2022 |
| Alcoholic strength | 12.5% |
| Serve with | As an aperitif or with fish and shellfish-based dishes |
| Grapes | Ribolla Gialla 100% |
| Dry/Sweet value | 1 |
| Contains sulphites | Yes |
| Vegetarian | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Milk | No |
| Eggs | No |
| Organic | No |
| Biodynamic | No |
| Closure | Diam |
The Collio region, a strip of hills bordering Slovenia, is reputed to have one of Europe's most privileged micro-climates for white wines, while the red wines are also noted for their appeal. Founded by Eugenio Collavini in 1896, this family-owned winery is now run by Manlio Collavini together with his sons Giovanni and Luigi. Located in Udine, they were the first to make a sparkling wine out of Ribolla Gialla – an ancient local variety – and to implement new wine making technologies. Collavini prides itself on its clean, modern style wines, while still retaining the traditions and grape varieties native to the area. Collavini's 'Broy' is a multiple TreBicchieri winner and is recognised as one of Italy's top white wines. As keen dog lovers, the Collavini’s very first pet Dachshund 'Ribolla' is portrayed on the label.
