2025 Sinapius Ribolla Gialla

This is a variety from the Friuli region of north-eastern Italy, where it's been the foundation of some of the most celebrated skin-contact whites in the world. Sinapius were the first Tasmanian vineyard to plant it, bringing cuttings in from Chalmers Nursery back in 2019, and what they've done with it since has been seriously impressive.

Like everything on the estate it's close-planted, at 6,250 vines per hectare. The winemaking leans into what the variety does naturally: 21 days of skin contact gives the wine its soft orange tinge and distinctive phenolic texture, with wild fermentation split between terracotta amphora and seasoned French oak. It's the kind of approach that would feel at home in Collio or Brda.

The result is textural and complex but definitely a fresh-faced version of Ribolla compared to some others. There's citrus fruit and beeswax, something baked and honeyed in behind it, fresh herb notes, and a long savoury, briny finish with nice subtle grip too. It's dry and tightly wound rather than rich or broad.

Ribolla Gialla has an exciting future in this country and this is a terrific iteration. 

93 points
"Citrus, apple skins, wax, nuts and oranges, with floral notes appearing as if they sit inside the texture of the wine itself. There’s a umami note too, gently salty, almost earthen. The deliciousness factor here is high."
- Campbell Mattinson (The Wine Front)

92 points
"This is an excellent textural white wine... Trim and compact with epic length. A delightful, intriguing expression."
- Mike Bennie (The Wine Front)