Livio Felluga `Terre Alte` Friulano/Pinot Bianco/Sauvignon Blanc
Country: Italy Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Varietal: Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2022 Category: White Wine Style: Dry
Producer: Livio Felluga
Description:
Few producers 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, consistently high-quality wines ever since. Winemaker Andrea Felluga embraces a forward-thinking approach, exemplified by his adoption of screwcap closures. After experimenting for five years, Andrea feels confident that screwcap is the right step for Livio Felluga’s wines, helping retain the freshness and perfume that set these wines apart from the crowd.
The estate's most prized vineyards are in the Rosazzo DOCG. Here, they source the Merlot for the `Vertigo` Rosso, as well as the Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon Blanc for the famed ‘Terre Alte’ blend.
94/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast
"Here stands a legend that helped put Friuli on the map. The aromatics roll and evolve in the glass: ripe cut peach mingles with fresh apple and a citrus medley of lemon, lime and orange. Subtle oak spices hover in the background like a whisper, accompanied by delicate yellow flowers and magnolia blossoms. The palate unfolds luxuriously... first tropical fruit notes gracefully transition into tangy citrus cream. Everything stays elegant and poised through the finish thanks to perfectly pitched acidity. Drink Now - 2045."
94/100 Points - Vinous
"The 2022 Terre Alte is impossible to ignore as a burst of crushed rocks and sage gives way to freshly sliced nectarines, lemon zest and mint. It is deeply textural, nearly oily in feel, with tantalizing acidity and masses of lime-infused pit fruits that envelop the senses. This vintage displays remarkable depth and concentration while maintaining balance, finishing long and potent with a salty infusion that keeps the mouth watering for more."
Vineyards:
Livio Felluga owns 135 hectares of prime vineyard in Rosazzo, the best area in Friuli. The fruit for this wine comes from the hillside vineyards around the Rosazzo abbey, where viticulture dates back to the 1082 AD. The soil here is composed by marl and sandstone flysch ('ponca' in the local dialect) of Eocene origin. The vines are Guyot trained.
Vinification:
The healthy and perfectly ripe grapes were harvested by hand, in small crates, to preserve the integrity of the berries. Carefully destemmed and left to macerate for a short period, the fruit was then soft crushed and the must obtained was allowed to settle. The must underwent fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and was then racked onto oak casks where the alcoholic and malolactic fermentation took place. It then settled on the lees to enhance savouriness, creaminess and ageing potential. Bottling took place the following summer. Tertiary aromas will develop over the years to come.
Tasting Notes:
Intense straw yellow in colour. On the nose, this wine is extremely complex and rich. Aromas of exotic fruit combine perfectly with notes of bergamot, citrus peel and sweet almond. Full-bodied, structured and layered, the palate has a refreshing savoury minerality followed by a long, complex finish, fruity notes of orange, white peaches closing on a lovely vegetal hint of sage and white pepper.
Food Suggestion: Excellent with fish dishes, vegetable starters, white meats and cheese.
