Ribolla Gialla

Ribolla Gialla is the oldest grape variety in Friuli. It was mentioned in church writings as early as the 13th century. However, it is a high-maintenance – some would say petulant – plant. And so by the 1970s it had almost gone extinct. Until a stubborn winemaker, Manlio Collavini, took it upon himself to save it. He was the first to cultivate it again on a large scale, and the first to process it into sparkling wine. Collavini started a trend: today, the fresh, elegant Ribolla Gialla is one of the hippest varieties in the region. Now that’s a comeback!