Ruggabellus Sallio NV
This year the Sallio is a blend of Riesling 52%, Muscat (field blend) 40% and Semillon 8%, all from beautifully old vines (the oldest believed to have been planted in the 1850’s). This Sallio comprises three vintages, 46% barrels from 2019, 30% from 2021 and 24% from 2022. The Muscat portion is higher this year and it shows. In a similar fashion to Fluus, we choose wine making techniques that amplify aromatics and succulence. The Sallio continues to be “....a wonderful introduction to the textural style of white wine that we make”. Abel Gibson.
So if you want to look at the most considered and best orange wines in the country, well, here you go. That being said, if you want to look at some of the most considered and excellent wines made from white grapes, well, I’ll stutter.
This is outstanding in its idiom. Succulent, refreshing. Spicy. Savoury. Nuts and ginger and curry powder and green apple. Refreshing and textural, indeed, powdery in its feel with juiciness and crispness too. Bright fruit, so much savouriness. It feels so well balanced in its elements yet doesn’t shy away from its skin contact largess and nutty, dusty elements too. Superb, with drinkability high, interest through the roof. Just so damn good. You’d put this up against the world greats of the oeuvre and not feel shy. I love drinking it. Drink 2023-2030+, 96 Points – Mike Bennie, The Wine Front