Livio Felluga, `Sigar` Friulano
Vintage: 2020
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | LF115B20 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Contact Us |
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
Grapes for the Sigar are sourced from vines planted in 1953. The vines are mainly Guyot-trained and soils comprise of marl and sandstone which gives a unique tanginess and minerality. Livio Felluga strive to maintain their sustainable practices which include: the use of organic fertilisers, renewable electricity sources and minimal use of plastics.
Vintage
2020 will be remembered as a vintage without extreme weather conditions. Spring was dry and with above-average temperatures, except for two episodes in which temperatures dropped considerably. Bud break took place between the end of March and the beginning of April, five days earlier than usual. June was marked by high rainfall and all summer had regular rainfall that prevented droughts. Veraison started in the first ten days of August and the grapes were harvested the first week of September at an optimal level of phenolic ripening.
Vinification
The grapes were handpicked and placed in small crates to preserve the integral structure of the grapes. Once at the winery, they were destemmed and left to macerate on the skins for a few hours to provide additional structure. The wine was racked into 7-hectolitre terracotta jars toward the end of alcoholic fermentation to allow for proper temperature control. Malolactic fermentation took place over three weeks. The wine remained on the lees to provide a creamy texture and was aged in terracotta to enhance the minerality. Bottling took place on 5th August 2021.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This wine is lustrous yellow in colour with youthful hues. The nose is brimming with vibrant floral scents of magnolia and acacia blossom alongside sweet quince and lychee with hints of ginger, fir, and nutmeg. The palate is velvety smooth with beautiful peach and apricot fruit flavours with touches of honey and trifle with an almond note on the captivating and lingering finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13%
Acidity
5.84 g/l
Residual Sugar
7.3 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 | |||
| `Abbazia di Rosazzo` Rosazzo Bianco | LF113 | W | Factsheet | ||
| `Curubella` Pinot Grigio | LF116 | W | Factsheet |