Azienda Agricola Boccadigabbia - Ribona 2024

Situated on the first hills rising from the Adriatic coast in the Marche, near Civitanova Marche, the property of Boccadigabbia has a history that reaches back to the Napoleonic era, when it was one of the hundred individual farms comprising the vast Amministrazione Bonaparte agricultural estate. Purchased by the Alessandri family in 1956, the property is now led by Elvidio (Elvio) Alessandri, with the next generation of the family helping carry its traditions forward. Enologists Emiliano Falsini and Francesco Pennesi oversee winemaking, balancing technical precision with a commitment to expressing the character of the Marche’s vineyards. The estate’s approximately 10 hectares of vines benefit from southern exposure and the moderating influence of the Adriatic, while a vineyard restoration begun in 1986 revived plantings of international varieties alongside a growing emphasis on indigenous grapes. Among the estate’s indigenous varieties is Ribona, locally known as Maceratino, a rare white grape native to the Marche and closely associated with the hills of Macerata. Its Ribona comes from approximately two hectares of sandy-clay soils, where vines averaging around 25 years old are harvested by hand and the wine is made with careful attention to preserving the grape’s distinctive aromatics.

Boccadigabbia’s Ribona is a fragrant, characterful white crafted from one of the Marche’s most distinctive indigenous grapes. This Ribona opens with fresh aromas of lemon zest, green apple and white flowers, accented by fennel, marjoram and a subtle hint of stone fruit. The palate is lively, yet nicely rounded, balancing crisp acidity with ripe orchard fruit, savory herbal notes and a distinctly saline minerality that carries through a refreshing, persistent finish. An engaging alternative to better-known Italian whites, this bianco is a fantastic way to start the evening over conversation, yet equally at home alongside grilled branzino, seared scallops, shrimp risotto, linguine with clams, or herb-roasted chicken and artichokes.