At a glance

Producer

Josko Gravner

Region

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

Grape variety

Ribolla Gialla

Wine type

Orange

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$70-$120

Tasting profile

Complex orange wine showing notes of dried apricot, tea leaves, honey, bruised apple, and Mediterranean herbs.

Evolution: Will gain further oxidative complexity, with softer tannins and deeper savory, nutty characteristics.

At peak: Marked by balance of richness, fresh acidity and evolving tertiary flavors like beeswax and dried citrus peel.

Structure

Acidity

High, balancing the tannic structure well

Tannins

Medium to pronounced, fine-grained from extended skin contact

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5%

Aging potential

25-30+ years under proper cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2048

Optimal window

2022 to 2051

Current status

Drinking well with extended aging potential

Current condition

The wine is in an expressive phase with integrated tannins and complex aromatics developing.

Gravner's Ribolla is fermented with extended skin contact using amphorae, yielding structured yet refined tannins and high acidity that together ensure exceptional longevity. The 2016 vintage has matured sufficiently to show complexity but will benefit from additional bottle aging to fully harmonize its components and develop nuanced tertiary aromas.

Food pairing

Pairs well with roasted poultry, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, and dishes with Mediterranean herbs and spices.

Serving

Serving temperature

14-16°C / 57-61°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To soften tannins and allow aromatic development in a complex orange wine.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Gravner employs biodynamic viticulture with minimal intervention in the cellar, uses natural yeast fermentation, and favors amphorae aging without additives.

Josko Gravner is renowned for pioneering natural winemaking with strong focus on vineyard health and biodynamics, avoiding synthetic chemicals. The use of traditional terracotta amphorae reduces energy use versus modern barrels and stainless steel. Packaging tends to be lightweight glass. While distribution abroad increases carbon footprint, overall practices emphasize environmental stewardship and sustainability.