2021 Ribolla, Matthiasson

As well as poised and refreshing wines from the classic Napa varieties, Steve and Jill are also champions of more ‘left field’ varieties, and we couldn’t resist getting our hands on some of their Ribolla Gialla. Steve travelled to Fruili in the early 2000s and fell in love with the variety, later grafting over seven rows of Merlot in his home vineyard to this ancient, textural grape. They ferment whole clusters of fruit, leaving it on the skins to develop an orange hue, and keep it for 18 months in old barrels. This is a unique and gastronomic Napa wine, with subtle tannins, fresh pear and hazelnut flavours, and stony minerality.