The Father of Modern Italian Wine, Who Believed in Friuli's Future
4th Generation Livio Felluga
The Felluga family has been cultivating grapes and making wine for five generations. Among them, it was the 4th generation, Livio Felluga, who laid the foundation for the current winery.
In 1956, Livio established the winery. At that time, Friuli was in an era of post-war reconstruction, where people were leaving the countryside for industrialized areas. However, he saw great potential in the abandoned vineyards of the Friuli hills and remained in this land.
Livio, who had moved from Slovenia, purchased 28 hectares of land near Rosazzo and, starting from scratch, cultivated the vineyards and dedicated himself to producing high-quality wine. In an era when the value of this land was not yet widely known, Livio believed in Friuli's outstanding terroir and dedicated his life to conveying its charm to the world.
His achievements were not limited to winemaking. By reclaiming forgotten prime Friuli vineyards and restoring the connection between people and the land, he also contributed to the revival of the regional economy and spiritual culture. Due to this foresight and passion, Livio is celebrated as one of the "fathers of modern Italian wine."
The "Map Label" that Speaks to the Heart
The photo shows the label from the time of its founding.
One of the symbols of Livio Felluga's company is the map label, which has been in continuous use for over half a century.
In an era when Friuli as a region was not yet widely known, Livio wanted to convey to consumers "where the wine came from." This led to the creation of a label depicting a map of the Friuli hill region.
It was not just a design, but a message reflecting respect and philosophy for the land. More than half a century later, its appearance remains unchanged, and it is cherished as a symbol of Friuli wine in over 80 countries worldwide.
Rosazzo Abbey and Dreams Fulfilled
A place Livio held particularly dear was Rosazzo Abbey, perched atop the Rosazzo hills.
In the 1950s, when he first began cultivating grapes in the Rosazzo hill region, he was captivated by this abbey and the surrounding land. Convinced that it was an ideal location for viticulture, he acquired the first plot. However, due to the 1976 earthquake and the passing of Father Nadarutti, his dream was temporarily put on hold.
Even so, Livio did not give up. And in 2009, his long-held dream came true. Today, Livio Felluga is responsible for managing the vineyards and wine cellars surrounding Rosazzo Abbey.
The "Abbazia di Rosazzo" wine produced from this land is a symbolic wine that embodies Livio's conviction and persistence.
Friuli: A Special Terroir
When discussing Livio Felluga's wines, the unique natural environment of Friuli is indispensable.
Friuli is located in the northeasternmost part of Italy, bordering Austria and Slovenia. While it is the northernmost region with a Mediterranean climate, the influence of the Alps and the Adriatic Sea creates an ideal environment for viticulture.
The Rosazzo plateau is located about 30km from the sea, with Mount Santa Caterina extending to the north. Furthermore, the "BORA" wind, which blows from the northwest in summer, clears away humidity and clouds, creating a cool, dry, and healthy climate.
Another characteristic of this region is its soil, known as "ponca." This soil, composed of layers of marl and sandstone from the Eocene period when it was submerged under the sea, is found throughout the Rosazzo DOCG and imparts complexity and minerality to the wines.
The Felluga Family Philosophy Carried On to the Present
In 2016, Livio Felluga passed away at the age of 102. However, his spirit lives on.
Today, his children Maurizio, Elda, and Andrea operate the winery. They own a total area of 228 hectares (159 hectares of which are vineyards) and cultivate 14 grape varieties.
The vineyards are spread within a rich natural environment surrounded by forests, grasslands, streams, and fruit trees, with Pinot Grigio, Friulano, Sauvignon, and Merlot as the main varieties.
The potential of Friuli, which Livio continued to believe in, still breathes in every bottle of wine.
The Power of Belief and Unwavering Strength of the 4th Generation Livio Felluga
