Region and Vineyards
Terre Alte is born in Rosazzo, a prestigious subzone of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, in northeastern Italy. This is a region marked by flysch marly soils—a mix of marl and sandstone—locally known as ponca, which provides optimal drainage and mineral complexity to the wines. The hilly terrain, with its amphitheater-like vineyards facing south and southeast, benefits from significant diurnal temperature variation. This results in enhanced aromatic expression and acid retention, crucial for white grape varieties.
Rosazzo enjoys a unique microclimate shaped by the nearby Adriatic Sea and the Julian Alps, offering both maritime influence and protection from extreme weather. The Terre Alte vineyard, situated on these gentle yet ventilated slopes, is a flagship site for the estate and a benchmark for the region. Here, Friulano, Pinot Bianco, and Sauvignon Blanc are cultivated with meticulous care, producing fruit of exceptional concentration and elegance.
Winemaking
The 2022 vintage of Terre Alte is crafted from a blend of Friulano, Pinot Bianco, and Sauvignon Blanc, reflecting both regional heritage and international flair. Grapes were gently destemmed and briefly macerated, followed by a delicate pressing. The must was clarified by static decantation before fermentation.
Primary fermentation took place in stainless steel vats, preserving freshness and varietal purity. Subsequently, the wine was transferred to oak barrels, where it completed both alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Aging on the fine lees imparted additional depth, creaminess, and aromatic nuance, setting the stage for graceful bottle development. Bottled in July 2022, this cuvée is already expressive, but it will continue to evolve beautifully over the next decade.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Brilliant and intense yellow with delicate golden reflections.
- Aroma: An intricate and dynamic bouquet featuring orange blossom, jasmine, and honeysuckle, alongside citrus notes of kumquat and candied citron. Layers of ripe orchard fruits—yellow peach, apricot, and percoca—interlace with exotic hints of papaya, passion fruit, and pineapple, rounded out by herbal accents of sage, rosemary, and thyme, and lifted by white pepper, ginger, and saffron.
- Palate: Rich yet balanced, this wine delivers textural elegance with a harmony of freshness and volume. Floral tones return on the palate with hawthorn and acacia, followed by delicate hints of tobacco leaf and spice. A wine of persistence and finesse, with long, mouthwatering length.
Did you know?
Terre Alte was first produced in 1981, and it quickly became a benchmark for white wine excellence in Italy. Livio Felluga himself envisioned it as a symbol of Friuli's qualitative potential. The wine's name, meaning "high lands," refers not only to the vineyard's elevated location but also to the wine's aspiration to sit among Italy's finest.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Sea bass with herb butter: The herbal complexity of Terre Alte mirrors and elevates the delicate green notes in the dish.
- Risotto with saffron and zucchini flowers: Creamy textures and floral subtleties in both wine and food create seamless synergy.
- Lobster with citrus beurre blanc: The wine's vibrant acidity and citrus profile highlight the sweetness of shellfish.
- Roasted guinea fowl with apricot glaze: A richer pairing that draws out the wine's ripe stone fruit and spice components.
