Livio Felluga, `Abbazia di Rosazzo` Rosazzo Bianco
Vintage: 2019
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | LF113B19 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
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.
Vineyards
The fruit is sourced form the estate’s most prized vineyard holding at Rosazzo. The vocation of this area for viticulture was discovered early by the Augustinian monks in the 9th century. This historical vineyard remains today one of the best area for viticulture in Friuli. The vines grow among roses and olive trees on terraced slopes at an altitude of 170 meters. They are sheltered from the Alps to the north and enjoy the favourable influence of the Adriatic Sea, only 30 kilometres away. During the summer, the nort-easterly Bora wind sweeps away the clouds and humidity, reducing the disease pressure. As a result, crisp white grapes like Friulano and Ribolla Giala have historical links with the area. The soil known locally as `ponca` and comprised of marls and sandstone is found throughout. These specific features brought Rosazzo a separate DOCG status in 2011. The vines are trained using the Cappuccina system, a double arched cane variant of the Guyot system.
Vintage
The 2019 was a warm and rainy vintage. The winter was fairly mild but saw very heavy and continuous rains in April and May, followed by a period of mild and stable conditions throughout flowering. August was warm but the intense rainfalls provided the vineyards with good water reserves so that the grapes were able to ripen at a lengthy pace, gaining complex characteristics and excellent flavour profiles. The harvest took place in the second half of September.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested by hand in several passings in small crates. The bunches were attentively destemmed and left to macerate on the skins for eight to ten hours before the gentle pressing. The Friulano was fermented and aged in 250 litre French oak barriques (in a mixture of new and used oak), whereas the other varieties were fermented at 18°C in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks where they remain during malolactic fermentation. Following ageing for about ten months on fine lees and blending, the bottled wine was aged for further nine months before release.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
Straw yellow with light green hues. A highly perfumed nose with notes of candied fruit, flowers and spice. The barrel-fermented Friulano adds depth and a hint of spice to wine. On the palate it is fresh with lively acidity and a fine mineral streak. Long and elegant, with a attractive almond character on the finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%
Acidity
5.22 g/l
Residual Sugar
0.5 g/l
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Livio Felluga | Friulano | LF101 | W | Factsheet | |
| Pinot Grigio | LF102 | W | Factsheet | ||
| Sauvignon | LF103 | W | |||
| `Sharis` Chardonnay/Ribolla Gialla | LF104 | W | Factsheet | ||
| `Terre Alte` Friulano/Pinot Bianco/Sauvignon Blanc | LF106 | W | Factsheet | ||
| `Vertigo` Rosso | LF107 | R | |||
| `Sigar` Friulano | LF115 | W | Factsheet | ||
| `Curubella` Pinot Grigio | LF116 | W | Factsheet |