Livio Felluga Sharis 2024

Livio Felluga is one of the benchmark names of Friuli in north-east Italy, and Sharis pairs the local Ribolla Gialla with Chardonnay. The grapes are hand-harvested from hillside plots on loam and sandstone soils, a combination that drains well and gives the wine its mineral cut and firm acidity. Ribolla Gialla brings the region's crisp citrus and green-apple character, while Chardonnay fills out the body and adds a gentle orchard-fruit roundness. After a short skin maceration to draw out aroma, the grapes are gently pressed and the must clarified by settling. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, which keeps the wine fresh and unoaked and preserves the primary fruit. The 2024 is pale straw with a clean nose of green apple, pear and lemon over white flowers, with a faint almond note. The palate is dry and lively, medium-light in body at 12.5 percent, with a mineral freshness running through to a crisp finish. Serve chilled at 8 to 10 degrees in a white glass.