Pale gold color; citrus, grapefruit, white peach, dried apricot, orange peal, almond, beeswax, tarragon, thyme on the nose and palate.
Dry; very brisk acidity is balanced by satiny texture and minerality. This is a palate-cleansing champion that also is smooth and elegant. Medium-plus body. Not what you typically expect from Friuli-Venezia Giulia—this is premium white with depth, substance, character. There is nothing wrong with prosecco and pinot grigio, but this is a level of sophistication—and price—above that. Friuli-Venezia Giulia produces a rich range of wines, and this is among its best in class. 13.5% ABV
The grapes come from a massal selection of old vines. Massal is a technique use to preserve the genetic diversity of a vineyard by taking cuttings from a diverse group of high-quality, genetically varied group of parent plants to produce the next generation of vines. It is labor and skill-intensive. Results are measured in decades, not in vintages. The result is exceptional vines and wines. This is an example of that.
Livio Felluga moved to Friulli in the late 1930s and settled in the rolling foothills of Rosazzo. The aftermath of World War II was not easy. The website notes: “the country population was leaving, further impoverishing the land and abandoning the crops, values and traditions bound to it. Livio Felluga had to take on a new struggle to restore life to these hills, convinced that only a rebirth of quality farming could bring the Friuli countryside back to life.
Courageously, he began to renovate the old vineyards of Rosazzo and plant new ones, introducing innovative ideas and methods.
“It was a hard task undertaken with great determination and passion, and would lead him to create one of the most beautiful and significant estates in Italy over the years, earning him the well-deserved title of rebuilder of the Friuli wine tradition.”
The vines for this effort were planted in 1963, and the Sigar vineyard has proved exceptional. The vineyards are farmed sustainably in order to pass the superb legacy to future generations. The website notes acting in a sustainable way is the key to the future. The assert they do not do this to increase market value or image enhancement, but because it is the right thing to do for the quality of their wines and out of respect for their land.
Livio Felluga Sigar Friulano Colli Orientali del Friuli Bianco, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy 2019 delivers superb acidity wrapped in a pleasuring texture and excellent parade of fruits. The intriguing wine is tart and pleasing at the same time. Stars as a food wine; also impressive by itself. Yes, it is a premium wine, but well worth a swirl. Works well as an aperitif. Pair with pasta dishes, especially with white sauces and white meats; seafood and lean fish; shellfish; cured meats, charcuterie board; salads; vegetable dishes—roasted green vegetables. Cheese—cheese soufflé; edam, gouda, asiago, provolone, jarlsberg, Italian montasio. $60-65
