Sauvignon Bianco

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you were to make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

Iris presents itself in a delicate and restrained style. Bright straw green, on the nose hints of apricots, lime zest and a subtle tropical vein. Wonderful fruit-acid interplay on the palate, not quite as wild as its counterpart, but just as mineral and tension-filled. A skilful example of why it is sometimes good to vinify different terroirs separately and skilfully bring out the characteristics. Great Sauvignon cinema from a master hand! SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet of the Sauvignon Blanc Iris 2020 has a candied quality that is perfectly balanced by earthy notes of wet stone and freshly cut pear. The texture is soft, with pleasant ripe peach flavours and floral notes developing towards the finish. The finish is a little shorter than expected, but leaves a pleasant refreshment on the palate. Very nice." Vinous

In South Tyrol, the "Vigna" classification guarantees the origin of a site wine. This Sauvignon is a selection from the best grapes of the Oberkerschbaum estate in Buchholz/Salurn at an altitude of about 800 metres. Thanks to the special microclimate, the ideal orientation and the challenging altitude, the Oberkerschbaum estate is one of the most exciting cru sites for South Tyrolean Sauvignon.

Intense straw yellow colour with delicate greenish reflections. Aromas of ripe citrus fruits, grapefruit and bergamot mingle with delicate scents of flint and nettle. On the palate, this fruitiness continues - Oberkerschbaum is a Sauvignon of harmonious complexity that never seems too slender despite its racy acidity and convinces us completely with its aromatic length. SUPERIORE.DE

Rive Alte Sauvignon Blanc Piere is the lighter coloured of the estate's two Sauvignons, but both wines are beautiful in their own right. Piere shows earthy notes of green olive, garden tomato leaf and sage on the palate, rounded off with lively and zesty flavours of citrus orange peel and some crushed mineral and white pepper. All the elements are in the right place and, like all Vie di Romans whites, Piere needs time in the glass to find its centre and minerality. And if you have the patience to give it this, then it's great. SUPERIORE.DE

Antonio Bragato, born in Germany but with an absolute Friulian identity, joined forces 20 years ago with Gianni Maccari, who was cellar master at Livio Felluga for many years and founded his own winery Ronco della Rocca at the beginning of the millennium. Maccari, who has a degree in agronomy and Oenologist, is considered one of the best-trained viticultural experts in Friuli. The profound knowledge of his own 12 hectares of vineyards as well as the leased plots and the radical precision in the execution of every operation characterise the clear style and the reliable quality of the wines that Antonio Bragato creates there together with him.

From the 2019 vintage, Antonio Bragato's wine experiment enters a new era. Since then, the team has relied on an even more rigorous selection of the oldest vines from the coolest and best sites. The results of the "New Edition" can truly be seen and tasted. They are even more radical in complexity and finesse. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers the smallest editions of these wines, which confirm the many years of work and experience of the two quality fanatics!

The vines from which the Sauvignon Bianco grapes for this delicious wine come are over 30 years old. In the open-hearted bouquet, initially elderflower, white peach, cassis, menthol and gooseberry, then in the background a cool, mineral-smoky note. On the nose, it is taut, precise, dense and juicy to the point, with a cool, very elegant drinking flow as it progresses. The overall experience is flanked by a well-portioned acidity and carried on and on. In the long, full-bodied final, a wonderful aroma and a delicate melting. Beguiling and highly convincing! SUPERIORE.DE

"A floral, intense, slightly spicy aroma, a hint of paprika, but also yellow fruit and wax. In the mouth, a smoothly grounded wine with a slightly phenolic extract filling and a firm acid structure is revealed. The wine has freshness and tension with good density and medium length, it seems made for table use." Falstaff

"This ripe and concentrated Sauvignon blanc is so elegant and finely tuned that it draws you inexorably under its spell. With its aromas of cassis and grapefruit peel and a hint of flint, it is reminiscent of the Loire. Mouth-filling, but so graceful and precise until the long finish with wet stones." James Suckling

Livio Felluga's new cru wines are the result of massalselection. For this purpose, selected vines are reproduced in particularly advantageous locations in order to renew vineyards with especially high-quality vines and to further improve the quality of individual varietal wines.

The grapes for this very characterful and complex Sauvignon Bianco come from vines planted as early as 1975. It captivates with its creamy texture and, due to the four weeks of malolactic fermentation followed by nine months of barrel ageing. Pure gold in the glass with rich yellow nuances. Opens with summery scents of rose and boxwood, then physalis, passion fruit, nettle, pickled peach and a delicate coriander note. Supple on the palate, of great elegance with complex sweetness, exoticism and citrus fruit. The wood is well integrated and underlines the aristocratic character of this exceptional wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Sauvignon Potentilla opens in the glass like a fresh spring morning, with wet stone and cut grass nuances giving way to freshly squeezed lemonade. It's silky and supple on the palate, with depths of ripe citrus-tinged orchard fruits propelled by juicy acidity. Its minerality comes forward through the finish, tapering off salty and savory yet remarkably fresh, leaving sage and grapefruit notes to fade slowly. The Potentilla rests a month on the lees, adding to its textural depth and complexities." Vinous

"From a massal selection of vines first planted in 1975, this wine spent several hours in contact with the skins before alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, and then matured in 15hl casks for several months. The result is a white with intense aromas of tinned peach, yellow plum and cream. Savoury waxiness with texture and weight make this a superb food wine capable of matching up to a variety of dishes. Creamy and woody then slightly earthy flavours of apricot skin, banana peel and bruised apple lead to a long and fresh finish." Decanter

"The name of this wine derives from the flower of the same name, "Potentilla". The name combines the Latin "potenza" for power with the diminutive form of "illa" creating defining the small flower with great power. This is a perfect name for this delicious Sauvignon from the historic Livo Felluga estate. Aromas of white peach, citrus oil and yellow flowers leap out of the glass. The palate is round and texture, due to oak aging, finishing with hints of nectarine, crushed rock and a touch of herb. Beautifully balanced this wine will age quiet well. Drink Now." Wine Enthusiast

"Litchi fruit with kiwi and lemon notes. Very fresh and bright aromas. Full to medium body with lively acidity and a bright, tangy finish. Lime and some graphite come through." James Suckling

Livio Felluga's new cru wines are the result of massalselection. For this purpose, selected vines are reproduced in particularly advantageous locations in order to renew vineyards with especially high-quality vines and to further improve the quality of individual varietal wines.

The grapes for this very characterful and complex Sauvignon Bianco come from vines planted as early as 1975. It captivates with its creamy texture and, due to the four weeks of malolactic fermentation followed by nine months of barrel ageing. Pure gold in the glass with rich yellow nuances. Opens with summery scents of rose and boxwood, then physalis, passion fruit, nettle, pickled peach and a delicate coriander note. Supple on the palate, of great elegance with complex sweetness, exoticism and citrus fruit. The wood is well integrated and underlines the aristocratic character of this exceptional wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very serious sauvignon blanc here that shows a flinty edge to the intense lemons, stones, perfectly ripened gooseberries, and limes with a hint of sour cream,. Almost full-bodied on the palate with impressive concentration. Mineral, tense and broad with plenty of substance. Pure and sleek." James Suckling

Soft, silky wine with aromas of ripe apricots and honey that harmonise well with the fleshy richness of the mouthfeel. The expressive and very varietal palate is crowned with plenty of stone fruit, melon and pear. This is a strong performance from one of the winery's flagships. SUPERIORE.DE

The 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Tenuta San Leonardo is a fragrant and lively white wine that always remains true to the varietal character of the grape variety. The vineyards lie beneath snow-covered mountains and glacier-carved rock formations. Vette impressively reflects the sharpness and brilliant intensity of the panoramic region that has noticeably characterised it. The bouquet is reminiscent of exotic fruits and passion fruit, while the palate is characterised by well-integrated, racy acidity and a subtle mineral component. A fresh, juicy finish rounds off this marvellous drinking experience. SUPERIORE.DE

Pleasantly elegant and pleasantly unobtrusive Sauvignon Blanc from the Mock vineyard on steep slopes with gravel soils. Light greenish yellow, with a delicate aroma of elderflower, pepper, grapefruit and some gooseberry. The well-balanced taste is fruity, soft, with the right dose of power and aromatically long. For us, undisputedly one of the best Sauvignon Bianco in this price range. SUPERIORE.DE

"An archetype of a Sauvignon Bianco, a very successful product from the steep slopes at 500m altitude near Bolzano. Tension and finesse on the nose, cedar wood, white peach, iodine on the finish, a hint of basil, taut and crisp on the palate, with citrus fruits and white flesh, spicy-menthol on the finish." Luca Gardini

"Gooseberries, kaffir leaves, licorice and dried herbs on the nose. It’s creamy, spicy and full-bodied, with concentrated layers and a delicious, persistent finish." James Suckling

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you were to make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

The single vineyard Sauvignon Bianco Lozeta is the result of the avant-garde planting system, which, in contrast to the method of cultivation previously practised in Friuli, means not only a higher planting density, but also the intelligent use of clones and biotypes intermarried with French offshoots. It is another uncompromising and consistent step towards complexity and personality, with optimal exploitation and expression of the existing terroir and microclimate.

Only since the 2019 vintage has the wine found the balance and complexity that enabled Christian Patat to present it to the public in a very small edition alongside the famous classics Peri, Sol and Salici. The second vintage of this interpretation of a Sauvignon Bianco full of character is not only something to look forward to, but also something to be proud of as a winemaker! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Lozeta has a dusty character, with spiced lemon peel and flowers complementing the crushed green apples. It is round and slightly opulent on the palate, with ripe fruit and enticing citrus notes. The finish is floral and precise with a lingering lemony intensity. The 2020 is a real delight." Vinous

The name "retus" comes from "Rhaetia" or "Raetia", the name of the Roman province. In Celtic, "reit" refers to a mountain village.

Bright straw green. Wild herbs, orange peel, green fruits and spices on the nose. Round and broad on the attack, then more straightforward and restrained in the middle, with enough saline edge and harmonious acidity to buffer the subtle fruit sweetness. The finish is long with flint and stone notes. Great Sauvignon Bianco with a refreshing alpine character. SUPERIORE.DE

The single-vineyard Sauvignon Bianco Lozeta is the result of the avant-garde planting system, which, in contrast to the cultivation method previously practised in Friuli, not only means a higher planting density, but also the intelligent use of clones and biotypes that have been married with French offshoots. It is a further uncompromising and consistent step towards complexity and personality, with optimal utilisation and expression of the existing terroir and microclimate.

Only since the 2019 vintage has the wine found the balance and complexity that enabled Christian Patat to present it to the public in a small edition alongside the famous classics Peri, Sol and Salici. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines from Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best produced in Friuli today. The choice is vast, as the transparency of the terroir is paramount here. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnays or Friulano wines, but the differences between the individual hills, the individual sites and the age of the individual vineyards create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

When you stand on the hill on which this vineyard is located and look out over the Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important for the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles, rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine how fascinated a winemaker would be by each of these unique sites. If you make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

Sauvignon Salici is radiantly bright, crisp and extremely nuanced. Traces of crushed rock and mint are beautifully concentrated in the glass. This energetic Sauvignon displays a highly independent and appealing personality. Salici is the essence of Sauvignon Bianco with a Friulian fingerprint from vines over 35 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

Vulcaia Fumé is an immensely dense and aromatic wine that demonstrates its sense of balance in a unique way. Deep, sparkling golden yellow. Impressive richness and opulence of passion fruit and other exotic fruit aromas, then blood orange, elderflower, a touch of iodised salt, flint and a noble spiciness in the finish. Spreads out colossally on the palate, with beautiful melting and excellently integrated wood. The finish shows smoky notes with some sweet vanilla and caramel cream. A Sauvignon Bianco the likes of which cannot be found again in Italy. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant intense straw yellow with light reflections. In the nose fine and elegant aromas of flint, some salt stone, noble spice and toast aroma as well as hints of tropical fruit and sage. Creamy and rich on the palate, with well-integrated use of wood, lingers very long on the palate." Falstaff

Deep yellow-green, dense bouquet packed with opulent fruit flavours. Complex and juicy on the palate with a very well-integrated woody flavour. Despite its extroverted nature, the Sauvignon Sol never loses its essential minerality and elegance. Possesses class, length and potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines from Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best produced in Friuli today. The choice is vast, as the transparency of the terroir is paramount here. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnays or Friulano wines, but the differences between the individual hills, the individual sites and the age of the individual vineyards create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

When you stand on the hill on which this vineyard is located and look out over the Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important for the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles, rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine how fascinated a winemaker would be by each of these unique sites. If you make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

Sauvignon Blanc Renaissance Riserva is only bottled in the best vintages and is wildly floral and herbaceous with nuances of green apple and ginger. The palate is round and supple with ripe orchard fruits emphasised by salty minerals, while the lively acidity retains a beautiful inner freshness. Here, the aromatic spectrum of the grape variety is expressed in the very best way - it finishes powerfully with a spicy note that lingers for a long time. Great Sauvignon cinema! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Riserva Renaissance starts with a reductive note of struck match and pencil shaving. The wine sees some oak and lees aging to offer a full-bodied mouthfeel with accents of ripe nectarine, citron and stone fruit. The reductive note lifts but does not fully disappear. Only 3,000 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

"Crushed stone, curry leaves and sage give way to musky dried peaches and apricots as the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Riserva Renaissance blossoms in the glass. It is youthfully coiled and intense, with a dense, silky wave of ripe pit fruit and exotic spices, underscored by salty minerals and savoury spice. The palate is characterised by primary concentration, with a tart lemon zest resonating. The best is yet to come." Vinous

"A wonderful Sauvignon Riserva that benefits from the spectacular microclimate of the Isarco Valley at the foot of the Sciliar. On the nose, notes of white melon, wild rosemary, a hint of cedar and elderflower. Salty on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Zitelle Barchetta is a Sauvignon Bianco from the micro-location of the same name, produced in very small quantities. It is a rich and exuberant expression of the very aromatic grape variety. Barchetta is fermented in oak and aged in barrique for ten months. The result is a very atypical wine for Sauvignon Blanc. Its more oxidative style of vinification results in a creamy texture followed by warm notes of summer peach, toasted almonds and passion fruit. Complex, harmonious and very distinctive! SUPERIORE.DE

"An exotic blend of candied lime, rosemary and vanilla bean wafts up from the 2020 Sauvignon Zitelle Barchetta. This washes easily across the palate, surprisingly lifted and pure in style, as notes of nectarine and candied ginger are carried across a core of brisk acidity. The 2020 finishes lightly structured with a staining of primary concentration that lingers as a raw almond note slowly tapers off. I appreciate the more refined style that Meroi achieved in this vintage." Vinous

Medium yellow-green, intense floral and gooseberry aromas on the nose, fresh grapefruit, lime zest and basil. Full-bodied on the palate, elegant texture, fine acidity, mineral, racy and very drinkable. A Sauvignon with great varietal character. SUPERIORE.DE