Ribolla Gialla

Not my favorite orange wine. And pricey.

This was disappointing. The alcohol dominates and the nose is subdued. Some burnt orange peel aromas. Amply textured but subacid and bitter on the palate. Giving this the benefit of the doubt, it could have been cooked in transit... or in an awkward phase?

With a stunning display, the 2010 Ribolla Gialla is deep orange and amber in color, with a seductively sweet bouquet that shows dried orange with exotic brown spice, evolving into peach, nectarine and dusty florals. While silky in texture, underlying tension builds, as a complex mix of minerals and tannins creates a tactile feel. There’s a hint of oxidation here, as is expected from this wine, while also coming across as quite savory. Hazelnut, baked apple, ginger and a hint of vanilla, but not oak, resonate on the structured finish. Tasted blind, you’d probably guess this orange wine was a red, and as such, I recommend decanting it. It also pays to mention that this improved even further on day two. The 2010 is the current release of the Ribolla Gialla. Gravner uses spontaneous fermentation in Georgian amphorae, after which the juice is further refined for another five months before being moved to large oak barrels for another six years.(Eric Guido, Vinous, January 2021)

2008 is still drinking amazing with the honey note

Orange blossom, wet slate, clover honey and apricot. Rounded, resolved palate. Lacks the nuance I have had from other examples.

Vintage 2009 - mahony colour, with the smell of a sultry summernight. Acacia honey. Definitely a wine for dinner with lots of character. #slovenianborder #italy #orangewine

GW Gravner tasting 10/26/16. Nose that's subdued in floral notes but prominent in stone fruits. Very firm body and acidic palate again with stone fruits. Very long finish that's complex and layered over time. Yum.

treat it like a barolo (L.D.)

Profound.

🧡 🧡 🧡 Yes, orange wine can be serious.