2021 Jermann Vinnae IGT, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Bright, clear straw yellow. A fruity aroma of apricot, peach and apple on the nose, accompanied by an elegant sweet spiciness. Dry, fresh and juicy on the palate with a very clean finish.

91 points Falstaff

Jermann has long been one of the defining names of Friuli, helping put the region on the world stage through wines that combine texture, precision and unmistakable personality. Founded in the late 1800s and transformed under the vision of Silvio Jermann, the estate became famous for pushing beyond convention while still capturing the freshness and energy of Friuli’s cool Adriatic influenced vineyards.

Vinnae is one of the estate’s signature whites, built primarily around Ribolla Gialla with small portions of Friulano and Riesling adding extra lift and texture. The 2021 feels wonderfully alive from the outset. Aromatics of green apple, lemon zest and white peach are threaded with chamomile, fresh herbs and a subtle almond note, while a faint saline edge gives it a distinctly coastal feel.

There’s a beautiful sense of movement here. Citrus and orchard fruit glide across a lightly waxy texture, with bright acidity pulling everything into focus. It feels layered without becoming heavy, and the finish carries on with citrus peel, wet stone and a gentle savoury bitterness that keeps drawing you back.

This is exactly the sort of wine that comes alive around food. Fresh crudo, grilled prawns with olive oil and lemon or spaghetti vongole are brilliant matches, but it’s equally good with dishes like zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta, or a fennel and orange salad scattered with toasted almonds. Even simple salty potato crisps somehow work embarrassingly well.

Critics and sommeliers have long loved Jermann for producing whites that overdeliver on complexity while remaining incredibly drinkable, and Vinnae has quietly become a cult favourite for people wanting something with character but also real refreshment.

Drinking beautifully now, though it will continue to evolve over the next five to seven years, picking up more honeyed and savoury notes with time.