Write Ribolla Gialla and read Friuli Venezia Giulia. This is to emphasise, once again, the deep bond that exists between the most popular white grape variety of the North East and the region where, thanks to soils and climates, it seems to have found a sort of elective affinity. Casali Maniago offers this 100% Ribolla Gialla from the hilly areas of the Sottomonte Estate in the municipality of Buttrio, in the province of Udine. Here the predominantly marly and clayey soil structure allows the grapes to reach perfect ripeness. Vinification, traditionally white, involves a temperature-controlled fermentation phase to encourage the development of primary aromas. At the end of the transformation, the wine matures in stainless steel tanks, remaining 'sur lies' until bottling. Then, once bottled, the wine rests in the cellar for a few months before final release. Straw yellow in colour, the nose reveals fine and pleasant, fresh and floral aromas. In the mouth, however, the taste is full and appropriately acidulous, giving the wine a pleasant freshness that enhances the hints of fruit, and green apple in particular. Excellent as an aperitif, this Ribolla is also perfect with simple starters, fish and white meat.