Livio Felluga, `Curubella` Pinot Grigio
Vintage: 2019
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | LF116B19 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Sold Out |
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
Livio Felluga is one of the largest wine estates in the Friuli Hills. The first vineyards were planted in Rosazzo. There are 228 hectares, with 159 under vine. 14 grape varieties are planted in vineyards alternating with woodlands, grassy hillsides, olive grooves, paths, streams, culverts, mulberry and fruit trees. 320 individual plots extend across over 550 kilometres rows of vines. The Pinot Grigio grapes for the Curubella are sourced from vines characterized by particularly tiny, quite sparse bunches, planted in 1981.These vines are mainly Guyot-trained and soils comprise of marl and sandstone which gives their wines 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
The 2019 vintage began with a wet winter which replenished water reserves in the soil. Mild and sunny weather during the flowering phase led to good fruit set. Warm weather and plentiful sunshine during the summer provided ideal conditions for the ripening period and the grapes developed good concentration of flavour. The harvest took place on 28th August 2019.
Vinification
The grapes were hand-picked into small crates, to protect the structural integrity of the berries. Once at the winery, they were destemmed and left to undergo maceration on the skins for two days. The wine was racked onto 10 and 17-hectolitre cocciopesto (similar to terracotta) containers towards the end of alcoholic fermentation, to allow for proper temperature control. Malolactic fermentation took place over two weeks, which contributed to the wine’s creamy texture and floral aromas. Bottling took place on 26th August 2020.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This wine is golden yellow with coppery hues. The nose opens with a bouquet of lime blossom, lemon zest and white flowers. There are aromas of pears, peaches and mandarins, light hints of grapefruit, lemon balm and lychee. The palate is smooth, supported by well-balanced freshness with hints of citrus fruits and marjoram. A textured wine with a long and pleasant finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%
Acidity
5.61 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 | |||
| `Abbazia di Rosazzo` Rosazzo Bianco | LF113 | W | Factsheet | ||
| `Sigar` Friulano | LF115 | W | Factsheet |