Matthiasson
Matthiasson Vineyard Ribolla Gialla
This wine is still one of the most off-the-wall delicious California wines I've ever had. I am required to order it any time I see it on a wine list because it basically doesn't exist. At 10.9% alcohol, you'd expect something wan and featherweight, but the 6+ months (I think) of skin contact have yielded a thought-provoking wine of profound character. Ganevat's sous voile wines come to mind in terms of vibrancy, but there's something much more friendly about it. The aromas center on this exotic tangerine and yuzu pithiness, backed up by floral jasmine, camomile, and white tea notes. There's a bit of tannin and a mildly acetic quality that reminds me of really great champagne vinegar. The acid kicks and powers a very long finish. There's something ineffable and polychromatic about this wine that defies definition. It's such a particular (possibly unrepeatable) marriage of people, vintage, grape variety and place. Full of frisson if you're ready to listen. Bravo, @Steve Matthiasson and Jill!
This wine is still one of the most off-the-wall delicious California wines I've ever had. I am required to order it any time I see it on a wine list because it basically doesn't exist. At 10.9% alcohol, you'd expect something wan and featherweight, but the 6+ months (I think) of skin contact have yielded a thought-provoking wine of profound character. Ganevat's sous voile wines come to mind in terms of vibrancy, but there's something much more friendly about it. The aromas center on this exotic tangerine and yuzu pithiness, backed up by floral jasmine, camomile, and white tea notes. There's a bit of tannin and a mildly acetic quality that reminds me of really great champagne vinegar. The acid kicks and powers a very long finish. There's something ineffable and polychromatic about this wine that defies definition. It's such a particular (possibly unrepeatable) marriage of people, vintage, grape variety and place. Full of frisson if you're ready to listen. Bravo, @Steve Matthiasson and Jill!
6 people found it helpfulMay 30th, 2015"I hit the skins for the hell of it, just for the...." Mmm mmmm mmm
"I hit the skins for the hell of it, just for the...." Mmm mmmm mmm
Jul 23rd, 2014Owner/Wine Director Spuyten Duyvil, Fette Sau, St. Anselm & Gotham Artisanal Provisions
Skin fermented
Skin fermented
Oct 28th, 2013All together different from what I'd imagined.
All together different from what I'd imagined.
Jan 21st, 2014Phenomenal stuff. Waxy elegance. Sunlight in a bottle.
Phenomenal stuff. Waxy elegance. Sunlight in a bottle.
Feb 16th, 2014