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Ribolla Gialla grape

White grape

Ribolla Gialla is a white grape known for citrus, apple, herbs. Its best-known homes are Friuli.

StyleWhite
Body●●○○○ (2/5)
FlavoursCitrus, apple, herbs
Key regionsFriuli

Origin and history

An ancient variety of the border hills between Friuli and Slovenia, recorded there since at least the 13th and 14th centuries.

Where it grows

Friuli Colli Orientali and Collio in Italy, and Goriška Brda in Slovenia, where it is the signature white grape.

Structure

Light to medium body with high, bright acidity; dry and crisp when fresh, but tannic and textured when made with long skin contact.

Aromas, young and aged

Young: lemon, green apple, white flowers and herbs. Skin-macerated and aged: apricot, orange peel, tea, honey and spice.

Ageing

Fresh styles within 1–3 years; skin-contact 'orange' versions from Gravner or Radikon can age 10–20 years.

Also known as

Rebula (Slovenia), Ribolla.

Good to know

Josko Gravner's long skin macerations in buried Georgian qvevri made Ribolla the poster grape of the modern orange-wine movement.

Wine regions for Ribolla Gialla

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Ribolla Gialla wines to try

Real bottles from The Wine Library.

White · Italy

Jermann Vintage Tunina

Friuli-Venezia Giulia · Venezia Giulia · Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia

Rich field-blend white: honey, ripe pear, flowers and herbs, long and textured.

Food: Seafood risotto, white meats, mild cheese

Similar white grapes

Sauvignon BlancRieslingAlbariñoVerdejoViuraPalominoLoureiroArinto

Explore all grapes in the interactive guide

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