Gradis'ciutta Malvasia 2016
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Perfect as an aperitif, this is also ideal with risotto, creamed soups (minestrone) and with grilled or steamed seafood. It is also excellent paired with white meats and farm animals.
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Mature apricot, toasted hazelnut, crushed stone and acacia aromas delicately lift out of the glass. The full-bodied enveloping palate delivers ripe yellow apple, pear and lemon zest while a notes of bitter almond and beeswax underscore the finish. Thanks to the fruit richness, you can barely detect the elevated alcohol content.
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Wine & Spirits
Notes of anise and fennel frond spice this wine’s high-toned flavors of white fig and clementine. Its freshness and delicate floral scents add to the appeal.
West of the city of Gorizia in northeastern Italy, there is a group of hills known as Collio where Gradis’ciutta is situated. The Isonzo River flows through this hilly stretch to the southeast, towards the Judrio creek to the northwest, and in the south it merges into the Friulian plain. Appreciated not only for its wines, but also for fruit and olive oil, Collio was once a backdrop for skirmishes during the Great War. Today, the area is synonymous with high-quality white wines. At Gradis’ciutta, Collio’s unique terroir is reflected in the outstanding wines produced, whether they be indigenous or international varietals. Before carrying the name Gradis’ciutta, the vineyard area was known as Monsvini, which in Latin means “Mount of Wine.” The soul behind the constantly evolving reality of Gradis’ciutta is Robert Princic, who got his start in wine at a young age, spending time in the vines every harvest with his hardworking parents, Isidoro and Ivanka. Today, Robert continues to carry the lessons he learned as a boy into the vineyards and his winemaking practices, embodying a deep care and respect for the land. Robert also carries forward the Princic family’s long history with wine, who, as a historical notary deed proves, were producing wine in Kosana as early as 1780.
Persistent with jasmine aromas and tropical fruit flavors, both grape and name are far-reaching. Approximately 70 registered grapes contain Malvasia as part of their name or are listed as a synonym. The French call it Malvoisie, Germans call it Malvasier, British say Malmsey and confusingly one variety double-times under the alias, Boal, on the island of Madeira. In any case, Italy has more forms of Malvasia than any other country: Malvasia Bianca di Candia, Malvasia di Candia Aromatico and the red-skinned Malvasia di Casorzo from Piedmont. The list goes on. Somm Secret—The actual name could stem from an Italian mispronunciation of Monemvasia, a southern Greek port.
Viticulture has thrived in Colli Orientali del Friuli since the reign of ancient Rome and today its verdant, rolling hills support a long list of autochthonous varieties, each playing a unique and important role in the modern Colli Orientali wine scene.
The region is primarily recognized for its white wines. Its indigenous varieties of Ribolla Gialla, Verduzzo, Picolit and perhaps most importantly, Friulano are made into single varietal wines or blended, and often blended with the international varieties of Sauvignon blanc, Pinot grigio and Pinot bianco. The latter have been flourishing in the area since the 1800s. But it wasn’t until the 1970s when producers started using cold fermentation techniques to produce fresh, fruity, crisp and aromatic whites that this area began to attract international attention.
While reds only make up about a third of the area under vine, Colli Orientali is home to some of Italy’s most exciting and rare red wines. Refosco, Schioppettino, Tazzelenghe and Pignolo are among the autochthonous varieties while Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir also have a stronghold.
Colli Orientali holds much in common with its neighbor, Collio; the only thing dividing them is a political line. Both are influenced by the cooling effects of the Julian Alps and moderated by the Adriatic Sea. A unique soil of alternating marine layers called flysch also dominates Colli Orientali, providing a mineral-rich environment for vine roots and optimal water drainage.