Livio Felluga `Sharis` Chardonnay/Ribolla Gialla

Country: Italy Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia  

Varietal: Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, Sauvignon Blanc

Vintage: 2024 Category: White Wine  Style: Dry

Producer: Livio Felluga

Description:
Livio Felluga emigrated from Istria and established his property in Brazzano in the 1950s. Convinced of the winemaking potential inherent in Collio and the Colli Orientali of Friuli, he bucked the trend of the times and started buying vineyards. The quality of Livio Felluga’s wines is largely attributed to the amazing quality of fruit grown on their 240-hectare property, divided into over 320 parcels. Their estate vineyards are located in Friuli Venezia Giulia, straddling Friuli Colli Orientali and Collio DOC. Here, 14 varieties are planted, including Merlot, Refosco, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon for ‘Vertigo’, as well as Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla and Sauvignon Blanc for the ‘Sharis’.

Vineyards:
The estate's vineyards are located in both Colli Orientali and Collio. Vines are planted on hillside vineyards and soils here are marl and sandstone flysch of Eocene origin. The vines are Guyot trained.

Vinification:
After gentle destemming, the fruit was left to macerate for a short period, softly crushed and decanted. Temperature-controlled fermentation followed in stainless steel vats. At the end of fermentation, the wine was kept on its lees for a few months to increase its complexity, creamy texture and suitability for ageing. Once bottled, it matured in temperature-controlled rooms.

Tasting Notes:
This wine is straw yellow in colour. The nose is vibrant, floral and fruity with aromas of flowers, jasmine, vanilla and orange blossom and hints of pear and pineapple. The palate is lively, tangy and mineral. Flavours of pears and golden apples combined with a refreshing acidity lends to a long and spicy finish.

Food Suggestion: Excellent as an aperitif, it goes perfectly with asparagus, vegetable soups, legume purée and marinated fish.