Livio Felluga | Venice | regarded producer | KING VALLEY

Many of Italy’s most distinctive white wines come from Friuli, northeast of Venice, and especially from the region’s two best appellations, Collio and Colli Orientali. Predictably, Pinot Grigio is a big item here. Friuli has significant plantings of this varietal, and vintners tend to pick it on the early side, when the grape’s acidity is still high, resulting in crisp, snappy whites that match well with the region’s seafood dishes. Italian Pinot Grigio is meant to be consumed young and fresh.

Livio Felluga is a highly regarded producer in Friuli with a family winemaking tradition that goes back to the mid-19th century, but the modern history of the company dates from the 1950s, when patriarch Livio Felluga founded his large estate winery. The 2001 Pinot Grigio has brisk fruit and honey notes with a long, lively finish. Felluga also makes a very good Pinot Gris from purchased grapes, sold under the Esperto label.

BUYER’S GUIDE

Redbank 2001 Pinot Gris “Sunday Morning” King Valley ($16)
Lively and Ripe
Match with rich grilled fish

Josmeyer 2000 Pinot Gris Le Fromenteau ($34)
Tangy and Creamy
Cellar or drink now with freshwater fish

Livio Felluga 2001 Pinot Grigio Colli
Orientali del Friuli ($22)
Brisk and Long
Works great with Italian shellfish dishes