In the local dialect, Curubella means 'rounded uplands' and describes the land where this massal selection of Pinot Grigio vines was planted in 1981. This traditional ramato style of Pinot Grigio spends two days on the skins for a delicate copper hue and subtle texture, and matures in cocciopesto amphorae - a mix of sand, gravel and clay used for thousands of years - for a completely neutral yet oxidative vessel. The result is fragrant and leesy in aroma, with an intense, creamy and bright palate of green fruits, soft melon, subtle yellow fruits and a floral, lifted finish with more creaminess.

“Deep straw yellow. Lemony gooseberry nose with notes of orange and green apple and without the piercing grassiness this grape variety often shows in Friuli. Fresh and ripe white fruit with lemony zippiness. Classic Friuli Sauvignon Blanc but without the sharpness and greenness these wines used to have in the past.”

“Brilliant straw yellow. A surprisingly piercing nose with more than a hint of gooseberry, but more perfumed with aeration. Blind, I would have guessed it was Sauvignon Blanc, but unfolding more personality on the palate with grassy citrus fruit and bitter almond on the finish. Clean and a little technical but not devoid of pleasure.”

“Pale orange pink, this is ramato in anything but name. Savoury, salty notes with hints of bread crust over brooding apricot with a hint of flowers. Subdued at first, and then layers of apricot and peach with spice notes and bitter-orange twang on the finish. It would be a shame to not serve this with a Dover sole. Still plenty of life ahead of it.”

“Lychee fruit with kiwi and lemon undertones. Very fresh and bright aromas. Full-to medium-bodied with vivid acidity and a bright, tangy finish. Lime and some graphite come through. New single-vineyard wine from here. Drink now.”