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. 

Picolit is Friuli’s noblest wine, but its origins are still a matter for debate. It is only since 1750, thanks to the writings of Count Fabio Asquini, that we have any accurate documentation of this “nectar produced by the meagre berries of the bunch.” The peculiarity of this odd, delicate vine is the partial fertilization of its flowers. This means that only a few, very concentrated berries ripen in each bunch. A complex wine the color of old gold, Picolit marries sweet and acidulous sensations, releasing a pervasive aroma of candid peel, vanilla and spring flowers. In the past, Picolit was the wine of Europe’s nobility. Today, it is admired as a prestigious meditation wine.

The part-dried grape was carefully destemmed. Next, the fruit was soft crushed. The must obtained was then allowed to settle. The now-clarified must fermented at controlled temperatures in small casks of French oak, where it matured for about 18 months. After fermentation, the wine was left on the lees in the small oak casks for nearly 18 months. The bottled wine was aged in temperature-controlled binning cellars for about 18 months.

The color is an intense golden yellow. The nose is unique and stylish with complex aromas. Vibrant floral notes of mimosa, acacia, wild rose and saffron blend with dates, caramelised figs, candied ginger, dried apricots and candied citrus peel. A lovely hint of sweet spice—nutmeg— appears alongside subtle toasty sensations and dried fruit. The palate is luscious, with perfectly balanced texture, sweetness and acidity. Fragrant apricot jam, figs and walnuts, passion fruit and elderflowers, blending with sweet hints of acacia honey, cinnamon, amaretto, almond paste, and creme brulée. A long, lingering finish bursting with ripe tropical fruit and sweet spices.

The 2017 harvest took place from early October to the end of November. The healthy and perfectly ripe grapes are harvested by hand according to ripeness, in small crates, to preserve the integrity of the berry. Carefully destemmed and left to macerate for a short period, the fruit is then soft crushed and the must obtained is allowed to settle. The must ferments at controlled temperature in small casks of French oak. After fermentation, the wine settles on the lees to enhance savouriness, creaminess and aging potential. The bottled wine is then aged in temperaturecontrolled binning cellars.

Superb as a meditation wine. Pairs beautifully with full-flavored, tangy and blue cheeses. Picolit is also a fine complement to pastries, and of course outstanding with foie gras. Best served between 54°F and 57°F.