Gravner Ribolla Riserva 2003

The producer: Gravner

Seeking perfection through experimentation, Josko Gravner is a unique winemaker based in the Collio Italian hills bordering Slovenia. Since the 1990s Gravner has followed the ancient practice of fermenting his wines in huge Georgian amphorae – large clay pots that are sealed with beeswax. Today, the estate is home to 18 hectares of terraced vineyards which are planted to a majority of white varieties, like Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling Italico and the indigenous, Ribolla, but also several red varieties, like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and the native Pignolo. Every wine, white or red, is fermented in amphorae and aged in large barrels, most wines are released only after 7 to 10 years of aging. The resulting wines are extraordinary and remarkably structured, showing a unique and marvelously complex historic style.