wine review: 2022 Gradis’Ciutta Ribolla Gialla Collio DOC, Italy – look for it in LCBO soon…

August 2024

Matt’s review: Italy’s Collio DOC is renowned for producing many of the finest white wines in Italy. Nestled in the north east of Italy, along the Slovenian border, near the base of the Julian Alps and the shores of the Adriatic Sea, it’s here where the unique Ponca soils that are found in the region’s hilly vineyards create the ideal terroir for crafting expressive wines with outstanding structure, aromatic and flavour complexity, pronounced minerality, and ageability characteristics.

Ribolla Gialla (pronounced REE-bolla JALL-ah, and Gialla meaning ‘yellow’ in Italian) is one of the indigenous varietals found in Collio DOC which thrives in the hilly vineyards throughout this region. Gradis’Ciutta’s 2022 was sourced from their 35 hectares of vineyards throughout the region and each vinified separately. The grapes were cryo-macerated to help extra colour, flavour, and tannins, all contributing to the wine’s great structure and overall complexity. Aged on its lees until bottling, this wine is a fantastic example of the elegant yet robustly structured wines premium producers like Robert Princic of Gradis’Ciutta are producing across their portfolio. The 2022 Ribolla Gialla is very fresh and elegant with vibrant lemon and citrus notes, orchard fruit, floral blossom, and incredible minerality – all showing its distinct Collio DOC provenance. With great aromatic, flavour, and textural complexity, this wine is also incredibly sessionable – making the perfect complement to a wide range of dishes and occasions year-round. Enjoy with seafood, charcuterie, grilled chicken and pasta with garlic or basil pesto sauces, and autumn harvest meals. Tasted May 2023. 92+ points. Matt Steeves – http://www.quercusvino.ca

The 2021 is available at LCBO in September 2024 – $23.95 – keep your eyes peeled for the unique Collio DOC shaped bottle on the shelves of select LCBO stores on September 7 when it’s released.