What a beautiful spring day in Minnesota!
The glorious, golden sunshine called us outdoors and inspired us to crack into this 2012 Arnot-Roberts “Amphora” Ribolla Gialla.
We had the pleasure of blind tasting the 2010 vintage when we visited Arnot-Roberts last year. Check out my IG post (@Sips_Ensemble) from June 9, 2022 for more details on that magical visit!
This wine is made from the Ribolla Gailla variety, an ancient and rare grape grown most notably in the Friuli region of northeastern Italy and neighboring Goriška Brda region of Slovenia (where it’s called Rebulla).
Here is a lovely Napa expression coming from the Vare Vineyard in Napa’s Oak Knoll District, which is farmed organically by the esteemed Steve Matthiasson. Growing Ribolla in the Vare Vineyard dates back to 2001, when cuttings were brought over from Friuli, Italy for planting.
Settled at the base of the bottle we can see the lees (fine particles from the yeast), an indication this wine was likely unfiltered (or minimally filtered), lending richness and texture while also helping to preserve the wine.
It’s justifiably showing some signs of age with its deep golden hue and honeyed, nutty notes; yet it still offers round primary notes of yellow apple, bosc pear, quince, orange peel, grapefruit pith, cantaloupe, honeysuckle, white blossom, and wet slate, with a notable creaminess.
Cheers to sipping delicious wine on a delicious day! — 2 years ago
Amphora, skin contact Pinot Grigio from Foradori. What’s not to like. This is amped up Pinot Grigio, savory, a little tannic and delicious. — a year ago
Muted initially but warm strawberry boquet followed light body but lengthy saline finish impressed over days — 2 years ago
Sweet and beautiful smelling with notes of berry's and minerals. Sweet surprise — 3 years ago
Nose of citrus fruits and flowers and huge apricots finish. Really gorgeous interesting wine. — 2 years ago
Light straw in color with a golden hue.
Strong nose of yellow apples, spices, minerals, lemons, earth, orange peel, herbs and overripe citrus fruits.
Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity. Crisp and refreshing.
Dry on the palate with over ripened apples, citrus, cream, spices, light vegetables, light peaches, herbs, earth, limes and black pepper.
Nice finish with soft tannins and tangy limes.
This is Is a very interesting white blend from Portugal. Although crisp, it has a light buttery feel. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel.
Better when not too cold, and after 20 minutes of airtime.
This is not my usual style, but I really enjoyed it.
Paired wonderfully with a Mediterranean dish of baked eggplant drizzled with Tahini.
A blend of 40% Antao Vaz, 20% Perrum, 20% Rabo de Ovelha and 20% Manteudo. Grapes are fermented and aged in amphora clay vessels with indigenous yeast.
A small production of only 4,000 bottles. Organic and vegan.
12% alcohol by volume.
90 points.
$21. — 3 years ago
Doug Powers
Still very dark purple color, rich, ripe dark fruits w/noticeable structure remaining, I think this fruit came from Mounts Vineyard on the western part of the Dry Creek Valley, long finish, very fine Syrah. [75 case production] — 9 months ago