Josko Gravner Ribolla Gialla 2014

Case discounts (can be mixed cases)
5% off 6 bottles (£95.00 each)
10% off 12+ bottles (£90.00 each)

2014 / Collio / Italy

Ribolla Gialla / 14% / biodynamic

Okay, it's in the white section but this is an orange wine given that it spends several months with skin contact (and then about seven years in bottle before release).  But the first thing to say is that if you are a wine lover and haven't tasted any of Gravner's wines yet, I suggest you do so immediately.  They are, in my humble opinion, incredible and unlike anything you will have tasted before. 

I first read about Josko Gravner in the fantastic book, Wine From Another Galaxy, by the Noble Rot guys Dan Keeling and Mark Andrew.  He's been a pioneer in natural winemaking circles for about 30 years and, whilst I find a lot of natural winemaking a bit hit and miss (it's difficult to sell some natural wine when no two bottles taste the same), this Ribolla Gialla is off the charts.  Orange in colour, the nose is semi oxidised but in a good way.  Aromatic notes of apricot, orange peel, honey and creaminess tease and intrigue you.  On the palate, it's wonderfully complex, starting like a sweet wine but it's actually bone dry with unbelievable acidity and freshness for a wine that's nearly 10 years old.  This must age for ever.  Notes of peach, apricot, mandarin, honey, minerals, caramel, ginger and more.  It blows your mind how much is going on.  The balance, complexity and length of finish is astonishing.  It's a bit out there but, as I say, if you love quality wine, you should try this at least once in your life to make your own mind up.

If you'd like to read what the wine community at Vivino think, click here.