Ribona

Denomination of Controlled Origin

Organic Wine

A story of excellence

The story of this wine varietal is compelling linked to the history of our territory, more so than any of the others. Some ampelographic bulletins that talked about this native grape can be found from the 8th century. Back then, it was called by the name of the Greeks of Macerata, Verdicchio Marino, Montecchiese.

A quel tempo era chiamata con i nomi di Greco, Greco Maceratese, Verdicchio Marino, Montecchiese, poi nel 1964, grazie al Professor Bruno Bruni famoso ampelografo Marchigiano, il vitigno viene identificato nel Maceratese e nel 1970 finalmente viene catalogato nel registro nazionale delle varietà di uva con il nome di Maceratino, con le due versioni Colli Maceratesi Bianco Doc e Ribona Doc.

Twice as good

According to tradition, the name Ribona was chosen to suggest that it was “twice as good” Back in the days of sharecropping, in the Marche countryside, wine was regarded as a true staple of daily life. People aimed to produce as much as possible, and so arose the need to make it last throughout the year.

Without today’s technologies, farmers relied on their ingenuity: they would select the best grape clusters from the vineyard and, after hanging them in the cellar for a time, add the destemmed berries to the must — hence the expression fare le grane (“to make the grains”). Their sugars triggered a new fermentation, giving the wine renewed longevity.

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The story continues

oday, there are about 100 hectares of these vines across the province of Macerata, producing wines of remarkable longevity and unique organoleptic qualities. The story therefore continues, written by a new generation of winemakers who increasingly focus on the uniqueness and quality of this special grape variety, and on its deep-rooted connection with the Macerata territory.

Ampelographic and Organoleptic Characteristics of the Ribona DOC

The production area extends across the gentle hills of Macerata, stretching from the sea to the Sibillini Mountains. Several types of wine are produced from these grapes: from sparkling to passito and still wines. In the latter, to bear the name Colli Maceratesi Ribona, the wine must contain at least 85% Maceratino Ribona grapes. In the Ribona Riserva version, it must be made from 100% Maceratino Ribona grapes and undergo a medium-to-long period of refinement and maturation.

As for the organoleptic profile, the wines are highly aromatic and fresh, especially when vinified in stainless steel. They display floral and citrus notes, balanced acidity, and a pleasant salivation on the palate. The clean and refreshing sensation pairs beautifully with the typically rich dishes of the Marche culinary tradition.
With maturation, the wines develop greater structure and complexity, making them an ideal match for fine fish dishes or other regional specialties such as brodetti di pesce, stoccafisso all’anconetana, or baked baccalà.

Ribona DOC datasheet

Alc.: 13,5% Vol.
Color: Straw yellow hue with yellow-green highlights , crystal clear and consistent.
Bouquet: Intense aroma and complex, signs of yellow peach, apricot, mango, mimosa, camomile and tea rose. Hints of aromatics herbs and mineral indication of flint.
Taste: Nicely fresh, soft and savory. Intense and of a good length, the end is pleasantly fresh and mineral.
Serving temperature: 10 - 12° C
Pairings: This wine will keep well and is excellent with mild or aged cheese, charcuterie, seafood risotto and white lasagna. Most types of baked fish.
Grape Varieties: 100% Ribona
Production Area: Contrada Vallenzuolo – Colmurano (MC)