What kind of wine is Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' 2016 - Gravner
The Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' 2016 - Gravner is a wine born from the desire to revive one of the oldest winemaking techniques: skin maceration in amphorae. Josko Gravner, a leading figure in the world of orange wines, creates a macerated white wine that bridges ancestral tradition and contemporary vision. It is a wine that tells the story of the Collio land and its Ribolla Gialla, in an authentic, vibrant, and unconventional form.Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage of Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' perfectly reflects its origin: the Collio Goriziano, a hilly area between Friuli and Slovenia, characterized by marl and sandstone. Here, Ribolla Gialla, an indigenous Friulian grape variety, finds its ideal habitat, thanks to the ventilated microclimate and temperature fluctuations that give the wine balance and freshness. The grapes are harvested manually, selecting only the best bunches.Winemaking and Aging
Gravner's production philosophy is based on absolute respect for the raw material. After harvesting, the grapes ferment spontaneously, in contact with the skins, in large buried terracotta amphorae for about five months. This ancient and natural method favors the extraction of color, aromas, and a surprising tannic structure. This is followed by a very long aging in large oak barrels and further rest in the bottle, until it reaches perfect maturity.Tasting Notes
The Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' 2016 - Gravner is a wine that captivates with its complexity, depth, and balance, offering a new nuance to discover with every sip.Color
To the eye, it presents an intense amber color with coppery reflections, a distinctive sign of the long skin maceration. The brightness in the glass anticipates the sensory richness that characterizes it.Nose
The bouquet is broad and enveloping. Notes of dried fruit, honey, candied orange peel, and delicate spices emerge. The typical oxidative hints, resulting from prolonged contact with oxygen during winemaking, impart elegance and complexity, evolving over time into nuances of resin and black tea.Taste
On the palate, it is surprising: structured, deep, with a tannicity rare for a white wine. The acidic freshness balances the extractive power of maceration, providing balance and a long, savory finish. A wine that evolves minute by minute, leaving a mineral and slightly saline trace.What dishes to pair with Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' 2016 - Gravner
This wine calls for dishes with character, capable of matching its structure and aromatic intensity. Excellent with white meat preparations, aged cheeses, or Asian cuisine with spicy notes. Also perfect with flavorful seafood dishes or vegetarian recipes based on mushrooms, legumes, or artichokes. Examples of recommended pairings:- Herb-roasted chicken
- Hard and aged cheeses
- Vegetable or fish curry
- Porcini mushroom risotto
Storage and aging: how to store Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' 2016 - Gravner wine
The Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' 2016 - Gravner is a wine with incredible evolutionary potential. It can be stored for over ten years under optimal conditions, i.e., in a dark environment, with a constant temperature of around 14-16°C and controlled humidity. Before serving, it is advisable to decant the wine: letting it breathe helps to broaden the aromatic range and soften any more intense notes. A macerated white wine of extraordinary longevity, offering curious palates an authentic and unrepeatable tasting experience.Gravner
The story of the Gravner winery The Gravner winery is a benchmark for wine lovers who appreciate the blend of tradition and innovation. Founded in the heart of the Collio Goriziano region, this winery holds a legacy that spans generations, always maintaining a strong connection to its roots and t...
How to best open and serve Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' 2016 - Gravner
1. Bottle positioning
For an important wine like Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' 2016 - Gravner, it's crucial to handle it with care. Before opening, let the bottle rest upright for at least several hours so that any sediment settles at the bottom. Avoid shaking or sudden movements that could compromise the wine's clarity.
2. Ideal serving temperature
This wine best expresses its complexity when served at a temperature between 14 and 16°C. If stored in a cellar, move the bottle to a slightly cooler environment for a short period before serving. An excessively low temperature can dull its aromas, while too high a temperature tends to accentuate its alcohol content.
3. Opening the bottle
To open the Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' 2016 - Gravner follow these steps:
- Remove the capsule and clean the neck of the bottle with a dry cloth.
- Use a screw-pull corkscrew (preferably a double-lever type) for slow and controlled extraction.
- Check the cork: it should be intact and free from unusual odors.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, pour a small amount of wine into a glass to evaluate its appearance and aroma. Gravner's Ribolla Gialla 'Anfora' 2016 may exhibit an intense golden color and oxidative notes typical of amphora vinification. If the aroma is clean and complex, proceed with decanting.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
Decanting is a key step to enhance a wine of this structure. Slowly pour the contents of the bottle into a wide-necked decanter, leaving the last centimeter at the bottom to avoid sediment. Allow the wine to oxygenate for about 30–45 minutes before serving. This process helps to open up the aromas and round out any pungent notes.
6. Serving
Use large glasses, ideal for macerated and complex white wines. Pour a moderate amount of wine to allow proper aeration in the glass. Slowly enjoy the Venezia Giulia Ribolla Gialla IGT 'Anfora' 2016 - Gravner, appreciating its evolution over time and aromatic depth.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with a vacuum or airtight stopper and store it in the refrigerator. The wine will retain its characteristics for 2–3 days, although the oxidative notes will tend to become more pronounced. Before serving again, gradually bring it back to the ideal temperature and assess whether it needs a brief oxygenation.