2022 FRIULANO, Livio Felluga. Friuli, Italy

Collio, the most renowned sub-region of Fruili in north-eastern Italy, a short drive north of Trieste and right on the border with Slovenia.

100% Friulano (previously called Tocai Friulano, but the Hungarians persuaded the EEC to ban anything that sounded vaguely like their famous sweet wine). Fermented cool in steel tanks then matured on the lees for 6n months before bottling.

From agent Liberty Wines:
“Livio Felluga emigrated from Istria and established his property in Brazzano in the 1950s. Convinced of the winemaking potential inherent in Collio and the Colli Orientali of Friuli, he bucked the trend of the times and started buying vineyards. Their landmark Terre Alte was first produced in 1981 and they have continued to make innovative and consistently high quality wines since. Winemaker Andrea Felluga has embraced stelvin in a characteristically forward-looking way. After experimenting with the closure for five years, he felt confident in using the stelvin closure to retain freshness and perfume in his wines.”

Oceans of Pinot Grigio, Frascati and Soave (mostly thin and weedy) were founded in an attempt to copy the fine wines of the far north east of Italy. At their best Friuli whites combine subtle, elegant richness with freshness, clarity and serious drinkability.