2012 Ribolla Gialla
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Ribolla Gialla Anfora is bright and fresh, pulling you toward the glass with minty herbs and nectarine that give way to ginger-spiced apples. This possesses a weighty feel with round, soothing textures, yet harmonious all the same, as vibrant acids maintain a lovely balance. Cascading notes of fresh pears, spiced orange peels, fennel seed and lasting inner florals resonate throughout. This finishes long yet fresh, and it leaves the mouth watering for more. The 2012 is an amazingly balanced Ribolla that is beautiful today, yet with many years of evolution in store.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Bright, vivid ochre colour. There is so much going on here: a steely, metallic element, something oxidative like Oloroso, then lots of alcoholic weight giving syrupy texture. What a wine: it really does make the case for this style of winemaking, and nobody could accuse it of being faulty. It opens new avenues of flavour for wine, and for precisely that reason I suspect many would not like it. Much to my own surprise, I really do. (RH)
Harvest ended on 2 November 2012. Lustrous pale amber. Gorgeous apricot and spice nose with hints of acacia honey and white pepper. Grated nutmeg, baked apple, dried herbs… I could go on for hours. Viscous and a little luscious on the palate but this has 'only' 14%. Full spread of aromas and great depth, yet remains elegant and lifted because of the succulent acidity that melts into the texture. Super-fine tannins stick to the palate. Enormous length and focus. Can be approached now, but will develop much further. (WS)
About the producer
Along with the likes of Radikon, Joško Gravner – whose vines straddle the Italian-Slovenian border – is a leading light of the natural-wine movement. His skin-contact Ribolla Gialla has inspired many imitators, while the rare Pignolo is prized by those in the know.