Livio Felluga Sauvignon DOC
Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy
Vintage:2018 (Past)
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Reviews
Wine Spectator
90 Points
October 15, 2021, Alison Napjus
“Hints of baked apricot and pineapple are layered with creamy lemon curd and pastry cream notes in this sleek, well-knit white, with minerally smoke and stone notes emerging to linger on the finish. Drink now through 2024.”
JamesSuckling.com
93 Points
February 22, 2021, James Suckling
“Aromas of green papaya, lemon grass, dried herbs and crushed stones. It’s medium-to full-bodied with tangy acidity and a waxy texture. Concentrated and layered with a spiced, mineral finish. Drink or hold.”
Overview
At 100 years old, the founder and patriarch, Livio Felluga, was accredited with innovating and mastering modern winemaking in Italy. Back from WWII, he sealed a deep bond with the hillsides of Friuli by reviving the vineyards of Rosazzo, later establishing him as “the patriarch of the wines of Friuli.”
In 1956, when Livio anticipated an implementation of appellation of origin, he chose an ancient map of the area to create an iconic label to tell the world the story of his wines. Pioneering vision, deep knowledge, respect for the vineyards, and obsession with quality, once embodied by Livio Felluga himself, have been proudly carried out by the company over the years.
Today, the family-owned winery is led by Livio’s son, Andrea Felluga. Known for producing lush, crisp and well-balanced wines, the winery’s reputation extends well beyond the region of Friuli and its wines are recognized in a class with the most esteemed producers from around the world.
A variety originally from France, sauvignon was introduced into Friuli under the Hapsburgs and became widely planted in the early 20th century. The wine is refreshing and captivating, with a generously wide, distinctive range of aromas, with notes of exotic fruit, yellow pepper, tomato leaf, mint and box hedge notes. It’s a traditional wine from Friuli.
Winemaking
The grapes are carefully destemmed and left to macerate for a short period. Next, the fruit is soft crushed. The must obtained is then allowed to settle. The now-clarified must ferments in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. After fermentation, the wine is left on the lees in the stainless steel containers for six months. The bottled wine is aged in temperature-controlled binning cellars for a minimum of two months.
Tasting Notes
The color is a straw yellow with light green hues, full, luminous and fresh. The nose is intense, typical, elegant and articulated. The richness of aromas highlights fruit with blackcurrant, passion fruit and white melon; flowers with Lantana, elderberry and orange blossom; spices with chili and ginger; and freshness with oregano, marjoram and mint leaves. Varietal notes of boxwood and tomato leaves blend with subtle citrus hints of lime and grapefruit.
The palate is ample, fresh, rich and balanced. The perfume complexity is well preserved in the taste. Lime and sage fuse with the explosion of tropical and ripe fruit. Great freshness, pleasant savoury notes and balanced acidity. Long and progressive with mineral hints in the finish, remarkable persistence.
Food Pairing
Excellent as an aperitif, sauvignon is also an outstanding partner for asparagus, vegetable soups, legume soups and marinated fish. Best served between 54°F and 57°F.
Technical Information
Varietals: 100% Sauvignon
Wine Alcohol: 13%
Soil Composition: Marl and sandstone flysch of Eocene origin
