2018 Sauvignon Zitelle

Owner Enzo Pontoni didn’t bottle a number of his usual wines in the difficult 2018 vintage, either because he was unhappy with the quality of his grapes or the wines failed to meet his exacting standards. There will not be a Ribolla Gialla Pettarin because it was too hot - the variety needs a very long growing season (Ribolla is typically one of the last FVG varieties to be harvested). Unfortunately, the bad news continues, as there will also be no Malvasia. No matter, for what Pontoni did make ranks with the best wines I tasted all year long. The Merlot is especially impressive, almost impenetrably black in color, but with refined aromas and flavors. It’s truly a knockout wine, in line with the many great Merlots Pontoni has made over the years.