2018 Matita Bianco

Region: Abruzzo < Italy

Grapes: Trebbiano, Malvasia

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic/biodynamic farming; limestone/ calcareous clay soils; one day on skins, fermented in stainless steel, then rests 5 months in fiberglass tanks; bottled unfined/unfiltered with no added SO2; zero-zero; 11% ABV; 150 cases

Winemaker:  Matias

Matita (since rebranded as Ruvido) is the small Abruzzese project started by two twenty-something friends, Matias and Alessio. They were once opponents on the basketball court, became teammates, and then friends. They both loved wine -- Matias was a failed winemaker and Alessio, a sommelier as a pastime. With no history of winemaking in their families, no inheritance, and no land to their names, they decided to partner together and make wine. They have dubbed this their “non-history.” Everything done in the vineyards and winery is 100% by hand, from picking the grapes to destemming and crushing, with the mission of making delicious natural wines that are, like their motto, “Raw and Funky.”  

Their white blend might be raw and zero-zero, but don't let the funky part fool you (as it did my mom) -- it's extremely fresh and drinkable, no flaws, no discernible funk.  Yes, even my SB-loving mom who most definitely has a classic palate, loved this one.   Pale yellow and cloudy, with apples, minerals, hazelnuts and sunshine, it's a lovely warm weather sipper that paired nicely guacamole, and would also be awesome with seafood or veg of any sort.