Livio Felluga Terre Alte DOCG
Rosazzo, Italy
Vintage:2020 (Current)
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Reviews
Wine Spectator
93 Points
March 2023, Alison Napjus
“This rich, medium- to full-bodied white is buoyed by vivid acidity, with flavors of kiwifruit, green pear and mandarin orange peel accented by fine details of fresh tarragon, salted almond, lemon curd and honeycomb. Well-meshed, with a pleasing, raw silk–like texture and a long, minerally finish. Pinot Bianco, Friulano and Sauvignon. Drink now through 2030.”
Overview
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.
Created in 1981, Terre Alte is considered one of Italy's most prestigious white wines. The balanced blend of Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Sauvignon grapes, estate-grown at Rosazzo in the historic Terre Alte vineyards, yelds a superbly elegant wine with a profusion of intense fruit and flower aromas. A wine of outstanding structure, Terre Alte acquires a wonderfully complex bouquet of tertiary aromas with bottle aging.
Winemaking
The 2020 harvest took place in the first half of September. The healthy and perfectly ripe grapes are harvested by hand, in small crates, to preserve the integrity of the berry. Carefully destemmed and left to macerate for a short period, the fruit is then soft crushed and the must obtained is allowed to settle. The must ferments in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The wine is racked into oak casks where the alcoholic and malolactic fermentation are completed. It then settles on the lees to enhance savoriness, creaminess and aging potential. In the summer of 2020 the wine was bottled. Tertiary aromas will develop over the years to come.
Tasting Notes
The nose is intense, extremely complex and elegant. Floral hints of orange blossom, jasmine and lilies are enhanced by citrus notes of bergamot, mapo and candied citron and hints of ripe apricots, white peaches and yellow raspberry. Seductive tropical aromas of mango, papaya and guava are enfolded in sage, thyme, lemongrass and Mediterranean bush. Delicious spicy sensations of Sichuan pepper, ginger, saffron and a delicate hint of nutmeg complete the bouquet.
The palate is seductive, complex and well balanced with a distinctive and welljudged harmony between texture and acidity, fruity flesh and grip. Floral notes of hawthorn and elder alternate with fruity notes of orange, white and percoca peaches closing on a lovely vegetal hint of sage, glasswort, nettle and white pepper. A tangy mineral note well-balanced with a velvety sensation preempt a spicy, tangy, lingering finish.
Food Pairing
Excellent with fish dishes, vegetable starters, white meats and cheese. Best served between 57°F and 59°F.
Technical Information
Varietals: Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon
Wine Alcohol: 13%
Soil Composition: Marl and sandstone flysch of Eocene origin
