Livio Felluga, `Sharis` Chardonnay/Ribolla Gialla

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 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’.

The Pinot Grigio is wonderfully intense yet balanced, while the Friulano is the most restrained and well-defined example of this variety produced.

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.

The Livio Felluga cru wines complete their range. The ‘Curubella’ is a unique expression of Pinot Grigio, fermented in 10 and 17 hectolitre containers made of ‘cocciopesto’, an ancient aggregate material similar to terracotta. The wine is aged here on its lees, resulting in a creamy texture and sweet aromas. Sourced from vines planted in 1963, the Friulano `Sigar’ is fermented in seven-hectolitre terracotta jars, which enhance its mineral character. The nose opens with almond blossom and candied citrus peel aromas, while the palate leads to a fresh and complex finish.

The `Abbazia di Rosazzo`, hailing from their prized Rosazzo single vineyard, is comprised of mostly Friulano with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Bianco, blended with a small addition of Malvasia and Ribolla Gialla. The vines here grow among roses and olive trees, planted on terraced slopes sheltered from the Alps and with the favourable influence of the Adriatic Sea.