Livio Felluga Illivio 2016

Drink now through to 2024. Serve chilled.

The Livio Felluga estate has played a key role in putting Friuli’s white wines on the map thanks to the vision and foresight of its namesake founder. The Felluga family have been making wine for 5 generations, but it was only in the 1950s that Livio was able to achieve his dream of founding his own estate in this gorgeous corner of north-eastern Italy. His earlier plans had been foiled by the outbreak of the Second World War and his conscription into the army, so it was a bittersweet moment when Livio was finally able to purchase the first few acres of the family estate.

Illivio was created by Livio’s children as a hommage to their father to celebrate his 85th birthday. The wine is a blend of Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, and Picolit grapes which are vinified separately. In each case the grape must is fermented in small French oak barrels and subsequently ages in the barrels for 10 months. The wines are then blended and bottled before release to the market.

The Illivio reflects its namesake, Livio Felluga, thanks to the careful combination of strength and elegance. On the nose there are generous aromas of white peaches, lemon zest, and vanilla hints from the oak ageing while the palate displays a well-rounded texture, measured acidity, and rich stone fruit flavours. This intense wine is an ideal partner for creamy dishes like risottos, pan-fried fish, or a selection of cheeses.