Arnot-Roberts Ribolla Gialla 2020

Ribolla Gialla is native to Friuli in north-east Italy, brought to Napa Valley by viticulturist George Vare, who championed the variety and the sustainable farming behind it. Arnot-Roberts work these vines in a cooler, high-acid style rather than the ripe Napa norm. The grape holds firm natural acidity even in a warm climate, which is why the wine stays taut and low in alcohol at twelve per cent. Ten months in barrel here is about texture, not oak flavour: neutral wood and lees contact give the wine a fine, savoury weight while slow oxygen exchange softens its edges, leaving the fruit and minerality in front. The wine is pale straw in the glass, with juicy pear, green apple skin and white flowers on the nose, backed by lemon and a light almond note. The palate is dry and linear, carrying stonefruit and citrus through a saline, mineral finish. Serve at 8 to 10 degrees in a standard white glass.