Wines from Friuli

Beautiful Malvasia with a lot of varietal expression and an impressive potpourri of flavours. Jasmine, pear and white peach develop in the glass, with hints of passion fruit, spices and lime on the palate. Soft texture, very good structure and a complexity that opens up new facets with every sip. The finish is deep and long and, as always, the long yeast ageing time ensures promising ageing potential. 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 crus come from 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.

Named after the small Curubella vineyard, this Pinot Grigio expresses the unique and very expressive terroir in a very special way. Golden yellow with copper-coloured reflections, which are the result of a longer maceration period. On the nose, autumnal notes of medlar, jasmine and white pepper, rounded off by elderberry, marjoram, melon and orange zest. On the firm palate, powerful and expressive of candied fruit, spice with floral elements. In the long finish then traces of acacia honey and pastry. Complex and deep with a very clear personality, freshness and beautiful minerality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate orange pink, a Ramato that is anything but a name. Spicy, salty notes with a hint of bread crust over brooding apricot with a hint of flowers. Restrained at first, then layers of apricot and peach with spice notes and bitter orange on the finish. It would be a shame not to serve this wine with a sole. It has a lot of life ahead of it." Jancis Robinson

"In the local dialect, Curubella means "rounded highland" and describes the land where this massive selection of Pinot Grigio vines was planted in 1981. This traditional Ramato-style Pinot Grigio spends two days on the skins for a delicate copper hue and subtle texture, and is aged in Cocciopesto amphorae - a mixture of sand, gravel and clay used for thousands of years - for a completely neutral but oxidative vessel. The result is a fragrant and leafy aroma, with an intense, creamy and bright palate of green fruits, soft melon, subtle yellow fruits and a floral, lifted finish with more creaminess." Decanter

"Beautiful aromas of cantaloupe melon, rose petals and pear blossom. Medium bodied, growing on the palate with white pepper and peaches with some honeysuckle. Refined. A new wine from a single vineyard from here." James Suckling

Enchanting Friulano with beautiful roasted aromas and a pleasant scent of biscuit, orange and honey. On the palate powerful, opulent, with ripe tropical fruit and very good acidity structure, which gives the wine a vibrant finesse despite all its complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

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

A 100% Merlot from the Colli Orientali is always special: intense, full thrust of fruit with a wonderfully plush texture and simultaneous definition, although the style remains powerful, ripe and intense. Flowers, spices and liquorice add race and class to this exceptional wine. Great Merlot cinema. SUPERIORE.DE

Confini can justifiably be described as one of Friuli's best white wines. This crescendo is an exciting blend of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio and Riesling, with the strong flavours of Traminer clearly leading the way. Medium-bodied on the palate, with a creamy fullness and silky intensity, with hints of tropical fruit, gingerbread and exotic flowers. In the final third, the palate is then again wide-ranging, full of freshness, juicy acidity and grace - and with the lasting, deep impression that more than does justice to a top wine from this appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright golden yellow colour. Intense, aromatic nose, lots of fruit exoticism, mango and papaya, followed by rose petals and white pepper. Powerful on the palate, with phenolic grip, mouthwatering, animating, harmonious acidity structure, long, spicy final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Confini is uncannily fresh, emerging from the glass with an array of sweet herbs and wet stones that give way to a vibrant lime pudding. It is soft and round with an almost oily texture and a cascade of liquid flowers under a hint of incense and exotic spices. Zesty acidity resonates on the finish, while the 2019 finishes longer and is more savoury than expected. A salty note slowly fades. The Confini 2019 is a wine of constant contrasts. It is a blend of Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer and Riesling." Vinous

"Very aromatic with ripe pineapple, lychees and glazed lemons with dried flowers and spicy herb undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and energetic with steady acidity and a firm, lightly phenolic mid-palate. Hints of dried leaves and citrus peel at the end." James Suckling

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

The grapes for this very characterful and multi-layered Sauvignon Bianco come from vines planted back in 1975. It is characterised by its creamy texture and nine months of ageing in barrels after four weeks of malolactic fermentation. Pure gold in the glass with rich yellow nuances. Opens with a summery aroma of roses and boxwood, then physalis, passion fruit, nettle, pickled peach and a delicate hint of coriander. Smooth on the palate, very elegant with complex sweetness, exoticism and citrus fruit. The wood is well integrated and emphasises the aristocratic character of this exceptional wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of savory herbs, spiced orange peels and incense gives way to a vivid nectarine as the 2020 Sauvignon Potentilla blossoms in the glass. This is deeply textural, with masses of mineral-tinged pit fruits complicated by a sour citrus tinge. The 2020 finishes spicy and with a youthful tension that puckers the cheeks as candied lemons fade." Vinous

"A very serious Sauvignon blanc, showing intense lemons, stones, perfectly ripe gooseberries and limes with a hint of sour cream. Almost full-bodied on the palate with impressive concentration. Mineral, taut and broad with plenty of substance. Pure and supple." James Suckling

Livio Felluga's new crus come from 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.

Named after the small Curubella vineyard, this Pinot Grigio expresses the unique and very expressive terroir in a very special way. Golden yellow with copper-coloured reflections, which are the result of a longer maceration period. On the nose, autumnal notes of medlar, jasmine and white pepper, rounded off by elderberry, marjoram, melon and orange zest. On the firm palate, powerful and expressive of candied fruit, spice with floral elements. In the long finish then traces of acacia honey and pastry. Complex and deep with a very clear personality, freshness and beautiful minerality. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is spiced with candied mandarin and peach skins as well as dried herbs and hints of cream. Medium- to full-bodied. This is so complete and lengthy on the palate and very balanced. It’s polished and even with toned acidity and a somewhat firm, phenolic backbone to it. Tense and nervy, but very elegant, too." James Suckling

Pale copper colour with amber and salmon hues, the result of prolonged maceration on the skins of the Pinot Grigio grapes (Ramato). Straightforward, precise nose of white stone fruit, sweet spices and vanilla. Clearly structured and forward on the palate with tart berry fruit, light cherries, wild mint and a hint of bitter almond. A salty nuance on the finish, light-footed, almost weightless and very animating. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Pinot Grigio Dessimis is delicately floral in the glass, boasting a coppery-orange color. Dried apricots, almond paste, peaches and lifting hints of mint form its bouquet. The palate is soft and enveloping, nearly juicy in feel, with ripe orchard fruits balanced by brisk acidity and tactile mineral tones. The 2022 finishes long, staining and lightly structured, with lingering nectarine and spice nuances." Vinous

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

ÙE Uvabianca distilled from the three white grape varieties Ribolla, Moscato and Malvasia. Bright, fresh, fragrant and slightly aromatic. SUPERIORE.DE

Warm, rich golden yellow colour. A rich bouquet of pretty white and yellow flowers, layers of apricot, pear and melon. On the palate, a rich texture, a certain opulence and beautiful intensity, with hints of spices and almonds, all framed by a virile acidity that leads this work of art into a long, furious finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A seductive bouquet of honeyed florals, almond custard, lemon curds and chamomile makes the 2022 Chardonnay Vie di Romans impossible to ignore. This is deeply textural, nearly oily and weighty in feel, yet still perfectly refined, with a saline mineral tinge up front that nicely balances its core of ripe orchard fruits. The 2022 cleans up beautifully, with a citrus concentration and hints of tropical melon that linger incredibly long as a bump of residual acidity maintains a lovely freshness. This is a fantastic effort." Vinous

A 100% Merlot from the Colli Orientali is always special: intense, full thrust of fruit with a wonderfully plush texture and simultaneous definition, although the style remains powerful, ripe and intense. Flowers, spices and liquorice add race and class to this exceptional wine. Great Merlot cinema. SUPERIORE.DE

Lis is a mixed blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and is one of the house's top wines. It has a wonderfully complex aroma of citrus and passion fruit, yellow apple and an initially barely perceptible flavour lead from the Sauvignon Bianco. All elements of this cuvée are equally and masterfully married on the palate, the mouthfeel is soft and round. This complex and at the same time elegant white wine, with its subtle pressure, whets the appetite for more and inevitably casts a spell over every Friuli fan. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light golden yellow with straw-yellow reflections. Slightly reductive nose at first, then ripe stone fruit, flint, citrus fruit and fresh herbs in the background. Pleasant and lively acidity on the palate, salty, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Honeysuckle, guava, papaya and lime curd on the nose. Some dried spice, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy, oily texture. Ripe, tropical style. Finishes fresh." James Suckling

"The 2018 Lis is coy in the glass, with a nuanced bouquet that shows young peach, dusty florals and white smoke. This is pure elegance on the palate, pleasantly soothing and soft, with ripe white pit fruits and hints of sweet spice that smooth over the palate. It finishes with a tug of tannin and a concentration of residual fruits, as hazelnut traces embellish the style." Vinous

Livio Felluga's new crus come from massal selection. 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.

Livio Felluga often stood in the evening twilight, his gaze fixed on the sky, with a cigar, watching the weather. The Friulano vines from which this cru comes were planted as early as 1963, producing medium-sized, loose-grained grapes. Yeast ageing and maturation in terracotta tanks give Sigar its depth and pronounced spiciness and minerality. Golden yellow with greenish nuances. In the complex bouquet fine saffron spice, candied lemon peel, dried apricots and lemon peel. The drink is grippy, compact and fresh with a seductive spiciness and salty note, then balsamic notes in the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Finely nuanced Chardonnay from the barrique. Bright yellow with a green tinge. Perfumed scents of citrus peel, banana and nuts. Firmly built and supple, with ripe acidity and underlying fresh herbal notes that consolidate the sweet citrus and oak flavours. The finish is precise and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chardonnay is wonderfully refined with a pleasurable whiff of reduction that blows off to reveal vivid yellow apples, crushed almonds and vanilla custard. This is soft textured and built on purity. A cooling minerality lifts a lovely inner sweetness and crisp orchard fruits. The 2022 finishes remarkably fresh yet long, leaving pretty inner florals and hints of confectionary spice lingering." Vinous

"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

San Zuan is an attractive, well-proportioned white made from 100% Friulano grapes. Complex, spicy bouquet of white peaches and pears, flowers, crushed rock and a subtle earthiness with notes of ginger and flint. Full and balanced on the palate, yet elegant, with some salty minerality, a hint of candied lemons, great length and nice ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Friulano San Zuan opens with a honeyed sweetness as white flowers, crisp green melon and confectionary spices fill the senses. This is round and supple on the palate, with vividly ripe orchard fruits nicely offset by bright acidity. It finishes with a lingering sweetness offset by spicy citrus tones. Beautifully ripe and concentrated, yet with stunning acidity, the 2021 San Zuan is a real head-turner." Vinous

Beautiful Verduzzo Friulano wrapped in shiny old gold and with delightful aromas from brittle to almonds, from apricot jam to caramel. The palate is also pampered by fine sweet aromas and a taste of integrity and persistence balanced by fresh acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

Livio Felluga's new crus are the result of massalselection. Selected vines in particularly favourable locations are reproduced in order to renew vineyards with particularly high-quality vines and further improve the quality of individual varietal wines.

Livio Felluga often stood in the evening twilight with a cigar, his eyes fixed on the sky, watching the weather. The Friulano vines from which this cru originates were planted back in 1963 and produce medium-sized, loose-berried grapes. The ageing on the lees and maturation in terracotta tanks gives Sigar its depth and pronounced flavour and minerality. Golden yellow in colour with greenish nuances. A complex bouquet of fine saffron spice, candied lemon peel, dried apricots and lemon peel. The palate is full-bodied, compact and fresh with a seductive spiciness and salty note, followed by balsamic notes on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Friulano Sigar is wildly exotic, with a burst of tropical melon, minty herbs, pine resin and kiwis. Silky and enveloping, this possesses tremendous depth and complexity with a spicy citrus core. A wave of crisp orchard fruits cascades throughout. It finishes fresh with a resonance of lime and saline minerals that slowly taper off. This is a unique vintage for the Friulano Sigar due to rain during harvest that resulted in a partial selection with botrytis." Vinous

"Al dente tropical fruit with orange blossom and a hint of jackfruit. Pine needles. Full-bodied and very tense. Framed by a phenolic window that compresses the whole thing. Very spicy. Made in a terracotta amphora. So intense." James Suckling

Rich, deep dark ruby with violet glints. Its scent reminds of black fruits, liquorice, coffee and dark chocolate. Tasty and determined on the palate, full of exuberance and with great length. A very emotional Merlot in a class of its own. SUPERIORE.DE