1997 Gravner Breg Bianco

Gravner is a 45-acre estate in Friuli, in northeastern Italy. It is owned and run by Josko Gravner, who also makes the wine. The estate makes red and white wines, including two blends. Berg Gravner is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Riesling Italico. Rosso Gravner is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Gravner also makes red Ribolla and Runjo, which is Merlot. The production process is notable for Gravner’s use of large clay amphorae, or vessels, for the grapes’ first six months of maceration. Gravner’s wines are highly respected by wine writers and Gambero Rosso, Italy’s leading wine journal, nearly always awards the estate’s wines three glasses, which is the highest rating.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is the most northeasterly region of Italy, bordered by Austria on the north, Slovenia to the east, and the Italian Veneto to the west. Given its history as a political and cultural crossroads, it is no wonder that the wines and cuisine of Friuli-Venezia Giulia reflect Italian, Austrian, French and eastern European traditions. The region is best known for its white wines, and specializes in the native Tocai Friulano, a white grape that produces plush dry wines with fruit flavors balanced by minerals and acidity. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignnon Blanc, and Chardonnay area also grown, along with the native grapes Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia and Istriana. Artisanal producers in the region also make white blends, called “super whites,” which are generally distinctive blends of native grapes and Chardonnay. However nearly 40% of Friuli-Venezia Giulia wines are red. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are grown, along with the native grapes Refosco, Pignolo and Schioppettino, which is also called Ribolla Nera. The region has 46,000 vineyard acres, of which 60% is classified as DOC. There are nine DOCs.