2023 Collavini Ribolla Gialla IGT Benedete, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Floral and inviting, with a nose of acacia honey and broom flower; palate of peach, white pepper and a crisp, high acidity.

90 points decanter.com

Collavini Ribolla Gialla IGT Benedete from Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a radiant expression of one of Italy’s oldest and most distinctive native white varieties. Grown in the rolling hills near Corno di Rosazzo, the Benedete vineyard sits at the heart of Collavini’s commitment to elegance, precision, and terroir. This is a wine that speaks of sunshine and sea breezes, alpine freshness and ancient soils—all captured in a glass of vibrant, golden-hued Ribolla Gialla.

The Collavini estate has a long history dating back to the late 1800s, and under the guidance of Manlio Collavini, it has become one of Friuli’s most respected producers. Their focus is on bringing out the best of local varieties through careful vineyard management and thoughtful, non-intrusive winemaking. The Benedete bottling is a prime example—made entirely from Ribolla Gialla, a grape known for its high acidity, delicate aromatics, and textural finesse.

Grown on marl and sandstone soils that were once ancient seabeds, the vines benefit from cool nights and warm days. Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled stainless steel to preserve the wine’s crispness and clarity, followed by a brief maturation on fine lees to add subtle creaminess and complexity.

The result is a wine with shimmering aromas of lemon zest, white flowers, green apple, and crushed herbs. The palate is racy and pure, with a spine of acidity that carries notes of citrus, pear skin, and salty minerality. It finishes with a clean, almost alpine crispness, making it a perfect partner for fresh seafood, spring vegetables, or creamy risottos.