Livio Felluga Illivio DOC
Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy
Vintage:2020 (Current)
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Reviews
View From the Cellar
93 Points
September 2023, John Gilman
“The Illivio Bianco bottling from Livio Felluga is made from a rather unique blend of pinot bianco, chardonnay and picolit. It is barrel-fermented and raised in barriques for ten months prior to bottling. The 2020 Illivio offers up a deep and complex bouquet of tart orange, green olive, a beautifully complex base of minerality, lime peel, gently musky floral tones and a deft touch of oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, focused and complex, with lovely depth at the core, refined mineral undertow, zesty acids and impeccable balance on the long, vibrant and very classy finish. First rate juice. 2023-2035+.”
Wine Spectator
92 Points
August 31, 2023, Alison Napjus
“A vibrant white, tightly meshed and lightly chalky in texture, with a minerally, saline- and smoke-tinged base note and lemony acidity. Offers a finely woven mesh of poached apricot, juicy pear, blanched almond and white blossoms. Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Picolit. Drink now through 2028.”
JamesSuckling.com
95 Points
August 10, 2023, James Suckling
“Aromas of flint, oyster shell, dust and ripe fruit. But always energetic. Medium to full body, with a solid structure and density, and a compacted and powerful center palate. Really impressive. Muscular but stealth. Dried fruit at the end. A blend of chardonnay, pinot bianco and a touch of picolit. Drink now.”
Vinous Media
92 Points
January 2023, Eric Guido
“The 2020 Bianco Illivio is savory and intense, captivating with a rich mix of rosemary, gingery spice and lemon oils. It greets the palate with a pleasant inner sweetness up front as a dense wave of texturally ripe orchard fruits and candied citrus tones coats all they touch in opulent concentration. Through it all, a core of brisk acidity and salty minerals maintains a lovely balance as the 2020 finishes youthfully grippy and long, leaving sour citrus nuances that seem to last up to a minute. This powerful rendition of Bianco Illivio will require a short stay in the cellar to come fully into focus. It's a blend of Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay and Picolit.”
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.
Created by Livio Felluga’s children, who dedicated the wine to him for his 85th birthday, Illivio reflects the personality of the family’s “patriarch,” uniting strength with elegance.
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 at controlled temperatures in small casks of French oak, where it matures for about ten months. After fermentation, the wine was left on the lees in the small oak casks for about ten months. The bottled wine was aged in temperature-controlled binning cellars.
Tasting Notes
On the nose, illivio 2019 is vibrant and complex, pervasive and creamy, with marked floral aromas and ripe fruit. The nose opens on notes of lime blossom, wisteria, broom and chamomile, blending with fruity hints of yellow peaches, apricots, mandarins and tropical fruit like pineapple and mango. Ageing in small oak endows it with delicate boisé sensations of coconut, mace, vanilla pods, brown sugar and sweet spice. The array of aromas closes on subtle rosemary and walnuts. On the palate, it is generous, harmonious, full-bodied and dense, the softness balanced by refreshing acidity. Fragrant yellow plums, peaches and papaya alternate with hints of polyflora honey and white chocolate. Tangy and lingering with a creamy and pleasantly mineral finish.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with fish, risottos, and fresh cheeses. Best served between 55°F and 59°F.
Technical Information
Varietals: Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Picolit
Soil Composition: Marl and sandstone flysch of Eocene origin