Trebbiano d’Abruzzo DOP – 2018

Italian whites made with the trebbiano grape are often straightforward and dull. But the relatively rare trebbiano Abruzzese grape is different from the others and much more interesting, especially in the hands of a producer like Tiberio, which has carefully and conscientiously nurtured old trebbiano Abruzzese vines and planted new ones. This wine shows it has been worth the trouble: dry, aromatic, richly textured and lively, with floral, saline flavors. And if you like this wine, see if you can find the winery’s single-vineyard Fonte Canale. (The Sorting Table, Napa, Calif.)

91 Points

Luminous straw-green. Perfumed pomaceous orchard fruits, minerals, lemon verbena and a hint of anise on the nose. Then very pretty, nuanced flavors of lemon ice and flinty minerality showcase intense inner-mouth perfume. A wine of impeccable balance, and very persistent and fragrant on the pure finish. Extremely strong for an entry-level Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. The Tiberio family has an uncanny ability to make outstanding Trebbiano d’Abruzzo every year, no doubt thanks to their individual talents, but also because of some marvelously old vines (as much as 60-80 years of age) that can weather and adapt to just about every growing season’s climatic conditions. Such is the magic of old vines. 2019 – 2023

92 Points

The 2018 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo wafts up from the glass with a fresh display of ripe apricot, young mango and a spritz of lime, as yellow florals develop. It splashes across the palate, fleshing out with salty minerals, tart green apple and cheek-puckering acids tugging at the cheeks. The finish is long, tongue-curling and bristling with energy, as orchard fruits and hints of savory spice gradually fade. Cristiana Tiberio is very proud of her 2018s, and I can see why, as this Trebbiano is drinking like a baby white Burgundy.  2021 – 2026