Just 12 miles from the Adriatic Sea and only a stones throw from Slovenia, the region of Friuli goes by unnoticed to most new oenophiles. With its hilly terrain that was once the ocean the soil seems to impart a depth and breadth to the white wines that remind us of Chablis. The grape that reigns supreme in these parts is Friulano, the former Tocai Friulano, and it expresses itself as a minerally, round and lush white wine that fools you into thinking it's been aged in wood, when in fact it has only seen the likes of stainless steel. We've heard Collio whites referred to once as "super whites" (think Super Tuscan) because they are so rich and lush, but don't come in contact with wood. They are simply so impressive when you realize that this is just terroir doing its thing.
Almost lime green in color and from a great vintage, Marco Felluga's Collio Friulano 2007 smells floral and like an ocean breeze. The mouth is full of minerals and zippy acidity with a beautiful full finish of stone fruit and citrus. The finish is very persistent reminding us of, yes, the ocean. Just delightful.
Marco Felluga Friulano 2007 $17 a bottle
