Bianco Breg 2009

750ml

Overview

The Gravner Bianco Breg 2009 is a highly acclaimed orange wine made from a blend of native grape varieties, primarily Ribolla Gialla, from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region in Italy. Produced by the legendary winemaker Josko Gravner, this wine is crafted with an ancient winemaking technique that involves extended skin maceration, which gives it its distinctive amber-orange color. The Bianco Breg is known for its deep complexity, rich textures, and unique balance of tannins, acidity, and flavor. It is a wine that showcases the philosophy of natural winemaking, respecting tradition and the environment.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: After hand harvesting, the grapes are fermented spontaneously with native yeasts in large, buried terracotta amphorae. This traditional method allows for long skin contact during fermentation, contributing to the wine’s rich color and distinctive texture.
• Maceration: The wine undergoes a lengthy maceration period, lasting around 30-40 days. This extended skin contact helps extract tannins and phenolic compounds, giving the wine its characteristic orange hue and a more complex structure.
• Aging: After fermentation, the wine continues aging in the same terracotta amphorae for several years. The wine is not filtered and undergoes minimal intervention, allowing it to develop naturally and mature with a deep, rounded profile. The aging process enhances the wine’s complexity, bringing out notes of dried fruit, spices, and subtle earthy tones.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine has a deep amber-orange color, indicative of its extended skin maceration. It is clear with a brilliant shine, showcasing its age and maturation in amphorae.
• Aroma: The nose is intense and multifaceted, with aromas of dried fruit, such as apricot and orange peel, along with floral notes of chamomile and subtle hints of herbs. There’s a distinctive earthy component, with notes of underbrush, wet stones, and a touch of balsamic spice. Over time, the wine reveals deeper layers of complexity with a faint oxidative quality.
• Palate: On the palate, the Gravner Bianco Breg 2009 is rich and full-bodied, with a smooth texture that showcases the influence of the skin maceration. It has a complex and layered mouthfeel, with flavors of dried fruit, nuts, and a touch of honeycomb, alongside a pronounced minerality. The tannins are well-integrated but provide structure and grip, while the wine’s refreshing acidity provides balance and lift.
• Finish: The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of dried fruits, herbal undertones, and a hint of savory umami, leaving a lasting impression of complexity and elegance.

Food Pairing

The Gravner Bianco Breg 2009 pairs beautifully with rich and flavorful dishes such as roasted meats, game, and braised dishes. It also complements aged cheeses like Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The wine’s depth and tannin structure make it a great match for mushroom-based dishes, such as risotto with porcini mushrooms or a wild mushroom stew. Its unique flavors and earthy qualities also pair well with charcuterie and smoked foods.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Serve at 14–16°C (57–61°F) to fully appreciate its complexity and depth of flavor.
• Glassware: Use a larger red wine glass to allow the wine to breathe and release its aromatic nuances.

Aging Potential

The Gravner Bianco Breg 2009 is a wine built for aging. While it can be enjoyed now, it will continue to evolve over the next several years, with the potential for further complexity and depth. It is expected to age gracefully for 10-15 years, if not longer, developing richer flavors and even more nuanced aromas as it matures.