There are few producers who have been more important in defining the quality image of Italian white wines than Livio Felluga. Their landmark Terre Alte was first produced in 1981, and they have continued to make innovative and consistently high-quality wines ever since.

The way in which winemaker Andrea Felluga has embraced screwcap is another example of his forward-thinking approach. After experimenting for five years, Andrea now feels confident that screwcap is the right step for the Felluga wines and that the closure will help retain the freshness and perfume that mark these wines out from the crowd.

The quality of the Felluga range can largely be attributed to the fruit being grown on their 155 hectare property, which is divided into 300 parcels. The estates vineyards straddle provincial borders, being located in both Colli Orientali and Collio. Their most prized possession is the holding at Rosazzo, where their Merlot and the grape varieties used in the famed Terre Alte blend (Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon Blanc) are planted. Their Pinot Grigio is wonderfully intense yet balanced, while the Friulano is the most restrained and well-defined example of this variety produced.

Vineyards

The quality of the Felluga range is in large part due to the fact that the fruit is grown on their 200 hectare property, which includes some of the finest vineyards in Friuli. The fruit for this wine come from their vineyards in the Colli Orientali DOC zone. Vines are planted on hillsides and the soil is marl and sandstone flysch of Eocene origin. The vines are Guyot trained, with an ecologically sustainable approach to viticulture.

Vinification

The grapes were destemmed without crushing and then macerated briefly on the skins before a soft pressing. Temperature-controlled fermentation took place between 17-19C in stainless steel tanks, where it was then matured on the lees for six months. It was then aged in bottle for two months before release.

Tasting Notes

This wine is straw yellow in colour with light golden hues. Intense yet elegant aromas of melon and candied fruit are complemented by stone fruit and floral notes, with a delicate mixture of brioche, honey and flint. Fresh and smooth on the palate, this persistent Pinot Grigio has great balance and a refreshing, mineral finish.