The 2022 Livio Felluga "Illivio" is a highly sophisticated, barrel-fermented white blend from the flysch-matrix (ponca) soils of marl and sandstone in Friuli Colli Orientali. Created by Livio’s children to honor his 85th birthday, this cuvée combines the structured texture of French oak aging with regional precision. The blend is primarily Pinot Bianco and Chardonnay, rounded out by a small component of Picolit. Unlike the estate’s purely stainless steel varietal bottlings, the fruit for Illivio undergoes a short cold maceration before fermenting and maturing on its fine lees for ten months in small French oak casks, including a partial malolactic fermentation to develop structural volume. In the glass, it shows a deep straw yellow color. The nose is highly complex, broad, and layered, opening with top notes of lime blossom, wisteria, and chamomile that give way to ripe yellow peach, apricot, and mandarin orange. The oak integration shows up as delicate tertiary accents of fresh croissant, vanilla pod, toasted pine nuts, and a hint of sweet spice. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, generous, and dense. It balances a smooth, leesy, and lightly buttery mid-palate with a vibrant, refreshing acidity that ensures clarity and focus. It finishes long, savory, and remarkably salty, leaving a persistent impression of smoky mineral tension and citrus peel.