Sauvignon Bianco

Push the limits!

"Comets light up, follow their orbit and burn up. Some last for years, others only a few moments. They leave an impression and can indicate a certain direction that guides us in our everyday work. Experimentation, innovation and playing with components are at the forefront of comets. Each of our comets is unique, like a fingerprint. The labels of each individual bottle are customised: A comet's tail, painted on with a finger." Clemens Lageder

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Conte della Vipera is a tribute to the first owners of the castle and the label refers to the 13th century chapel of St John, which is located on the estate. The vineyards are situated at an altitude of 250 to 350 metres above sea level on soils rich in fossilised marine deposits.

The sophistication of this wine is largely due to the composition of the grape varieties: fresh, vertical and aromatic Sauvignon Bianco, soft and tropical Sémillon. Straw yellow in colour with bright green reflections. The bouquet is full and broad and pleasant with notes of flowers, white fruit and pineapple, which combine with citrus notes. A pleasant freshness on the palate, then notes of bergamot and grapefruit on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with white-golden nuances. Intense nose of ripe apricot, meadow herbs and a hint of beeswax. Very direct and fruity on the palate with grapefruit flavours and racy acidity right through to the finish." Falstaff

"The 2023 Conte della Vipera is thoroughly savoury, with dusty dried flowers, wild herbs and crushed green apples. It soothes with its cooling acidity, while a wave of tart fruit and minerals drench it. The lemony concentration tingles the cheeks as the 2023 tapers off with a medium length yet lingering tension that calls the taster back to the glass for more." Vinous

"Lean, balanced and fresh, with fragrant chive blossom, grapefruit peel and white pepper accentuating the ripe green melon and peach flavours. Flinty finish." Wine Spectator

Sauvignon Sanct Valentin is probably the best-known white wine from the St. Michael-Eppan winery. It has been vinified from carefully selected single vineyards at the foot of the Mendelstock since 1989. Yellow-green in colour, dense bouquet of yellow fruit, gooseberry, elderflower and ripe redcurrant, smooth on the palate with elegant, floral fullness and crisp acidity. A great and very savoury top wine and probably the most award-winning white from the internationally highly respected winegrowers' cooperative. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate golden yellow with green reflections. The first nose has a clear green flavour of gooseberry and green mango, with a little air clearly elderberry and spicy herbs. Slightly spicy on the palate, dominated by citrus fruits, well-integrated acidity and a balanced, medium-long finish." Falstaff

"Spicy white fruit, elegant gooseberries and sea salt. Delicious and slightly salty, with a medium body and a tactile, mealy finish. A pure, outstanding South Tyrolean Sauvignon Blanc that you can enjoy right now." James Suckling

"Silent greatness. Noble is he who is self-sufficient. Perhaps a little demanding and in any case sensitive. But has many sought-after qualities: Clarity, freshness, complexity." Michael Graf Goëss-Enzenberg, Weingut Manincor

Sparkling green-silver Sauvignon Blanc with intense and inviting aromas of grapefruit, lychee and white peach. Full-bodied and very racy in the attack, then mineral and elegantly slender with a fine acidity and subtle extract-sweet core. Very long. SUPERIORE.DE

Antonio Bragato, born in Germany but with an absolute Friulian identity, joined forces 20 years ago with Gianni Maccari, who was cellar master at Livio Felluga for many years and founded his own winery Ronco della Rocca at the beginning of the millennium. Maccari, who has a degree in agronomy and Oenologist, is considered one of the best-trained viticultural experts in Friuli. The profound knowledge of his own 12 hectares of vineyards as well as the leased plots and the radical precision in the execution of every operation characterise the clear style and the reliable quality of the wines that Antonio Bragato creates there together with him.

From the 2019 vintage, Antonio Bragato's wine experiment enters a new era. Since then, the team has relied on an even more rigorous selection of the oldest vines from the coolest and best sites. The results of the "New Edition" can truly be seen and tasted. They are even more radical in complexity and finesse. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers the smallest editions of these wines, which confirm the many years of work and experience of the two quality fanatics!

The vines from which the Sauvignon Bianco grapes for this delicious wine come are over 30 years old. In the open-hearted bouquet, initially elderflower, white peach, cassis, menthol and gooseberry, then in the background a cool, mineral-smoky note. On the nose, it is taut, precise, dense and juicy to the point, with a cool, very elegant drinking flow as it progresses. The overall experience is flanked by a well-portioned acidity and carried on and on. In the long, full-bodied final, a wonderful aroma and a delicate melting. Beguiling and highly convincing! SUPERIORE.DE

"A floral, intense, slightly spicy aroma, a hint of paprika, but also yellow fruit and wax. In the mouth, a smoothly grounded wine with a slightly phenolic extract filling and a firm acid structure is revealed. The wine has freshness and tension with good density and medium length, it seems made for table use." Falstaff

"This ripe and concentrated Sauvignon blanc is so elegant and finely tuned that it draws you inexorably under its spell. With its aromas of cassis and grapefruit peel and a hint of flint, it is reminiscent of the Loire. Mouth-filling, but so graceful and precise until the long finish with wet stones." James Suckling

Sauvignon Bianco combines the intense flavour of Sauvignon with the heady and rich style of Meroi. Lemon oils and wild herbal tones combine with a hint of ground ginger. It is round in texture but with a lively acid balance that conveys elegance with green citrus and penetrating spice. The finish is long and colourful, leaving a hint of lime and a residual acidity that keeps the expression fresh. Exciting contrast of savoury and sweet. The 2023 is a large-format Sauvignon Blanc that maintains its balance at all times. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you were to make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

Iris presents itself in a delicate and restrained style. Bright straw green, on the nose hints of apricots, lime zest and a subtle tropical vein. Wonderful fruit-acid interplay on the palate, not quite as wild as its counterpart, but just as mineral and tension-filled. A skilful example of why it is sometimes good to vinify different terroirs separately and skilfully bring out the characteristics. Great Sauvignon cinema from a master hand! SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet of the Sauvignon Blanc Iris 2020 has a candied quality that is perfectly balanced by earthy notes of wet stone and freshly cut pear. The texture is soft, with pleasant ripe peach flavours and floral notes developing towards the finish. The finish is a little shorter than expected, but leaves a pleasant refreshment on the palate. Very nice." Vinous

Rive Alte Sauvignon Blanc Piere is the lighter coloured of the estate's two Sauvignons, but both wines are beautiful in their own right. Piere shows earthy notes of green olive, garden tomato leaf and sage on the palate, rounded off with lively and zesty flavours of citrus orange peel and some crushed mineral and white pepper. All the elements are in the right place and, like all Vie di Romans whites, Piere needs time in the glass to find its centre and minerality. And if you have the patience to give it this, then it's great. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, open-knit and fresh, with juicy white peach and grapefruit sorbet flavors enriched by hints of lime peel, ground white pepper, smoke and herbs. Creamy and aromatic on the lively finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Piere is very fresh, with a vibrant blend of crushed nectarine and lime zest, complemented by hints of rosemary and crushed stone. It is silky smooth yet full of savoury tension, with an abundance of mineral green apples and a hint of spice carried by lively acidity. The 2022 leaves the palate with primary concentration, youthful intensity and soft tannins that leave a savoury sensation that lingers. The balance of this wine is exceptional, as is its drinkability." Vinous

Soft, silky wine with aromas of ripe apricots and honey that harmonise well with the fleshy richness of the mouthfeel. The expressive and very varietal palate is crowned with plenty of stone fruit, melon and pear. This is a strong performance from one of the winery's flagships. SUPERIORE.DE

"This well-meshed white is compact up front, opening on the palate to reveal layers of melon, grapefruit peel, lentil and chive blossom notes framed by vibrant acidity. A smoke-tinged, mineral-driven underpinning echoes on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Perfumed and delicate, the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc Vieris unfolds slowly with dusty white flowers and cracked slate, then morphs into ginger-infused pear and green melon. This wine is cool, with a soothing, round texture, but also energetic, with ripe stone fruit and crisp mineral tones that provide tactile satisfaction towards the end. The 2022 rejuvenates with a floral finish and a long, classically dry and slightly austere finish that requires patience but leaves the palate completely refreshed. Despite the warm vintage, this is a Vieris that will thrive in the cellar." Vinous

The vines for this complex Sauvignon Bianco grow under Guyot training on hills between 400 and 800 metres above sea level on weathered dolomite rock. Pale straw yellow in colour with green hues. The slightly oriental bouquet convinces with hints of elderflower, white peach and dried fruit. A lively acidity unfolds from the very first sip, surrounded by juicy, fruity notes and mineral nuances. Overall, this beautiful white wine has a fullness and elegance that is only surpassed by the long and animating final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Strong, shiny golden yellow with a beautiful lustre. The first nose after opening is unpleasant, with a little air vegetal green notes, later green mango, some lychee. Slightly sagging on the palate, medium palate pressure, retronasal pear, medium length on the finish, significantly improved overall impression with more air." Falstaff

"Assertive notes of tomato leaves and lemon fruit on the nose and palate. A crisp attack that is balanced by good concentration, a light body and a precise finish." James Suckling

Livio Felluga's new cru wines are the result of massalselection. For this purpose, selected vines are reproduced in particularly advantageous locations in order to renew vineyards with especially high-quality vines and to further improve the quality of individual varietal wines.

The grapes for this very characterful and complex Sauvignon Bianco come from vines planted as early as 1975. It captivates with its creamy texture and, due to the four weeks of malolactic fermentation followed by nine months of barrel ageing. Pure gold in the glass with rich yellow nuances. Opens with summery scents of rose and boxwood, then physalis, passion fruit, nettle, pickled peach and a delicate coriander note. Supple on the palate, of great elegance with complex sweetness, exoticism and citrus fruit. The wood is well integrated and underlines the aristocratic character of this exceptional wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Sauvignon Potentilla opens in the glass like a fresh spring morning, with wet stone and cut grass nuances giving way to freshly squeezed lemonade. It's silky and supple on the palate, with depths of ripe citrus-tinged orchard fruits propelled by juicy acidity. Its minerality comes forward through the finish, tapering off salty and savory yet remarkably fresh, leaving sage and grapefruit notes to fade slowly. The Potentilla rests a month on the lees, adding to its textural depth and complexities." Vinous

"From a massal selection of vines first planted in 1975, this wine spent several hours in contact with the skins before alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, and then matured in 15hl casks for several months. The result is a white with intense aromas of tinned peach, yellow plum and cream. Savoury waxiness with texture and weight make this a superb food wine capable of matching up to a variety of dishes. Creamy and woody then slightly earthy flavours of apricot skin, banana peel and bruised apple lead to a long and fresh finish." Decanter

"The name of this wine derives from the flower of the same name, "Potentilla". The name combines the Latin "potenza" for power with the diminutive form of "illa" creating defining the small flower with great power. This is a perfect name for this delicious Sauvignon from the historic Livo Felluga estate. Aromas of white peach, citrus oil and yellow flowers leap out of the glass. The palate is round and texture, due to oak aging, finishing with hints of nectarine, crushed rock and a touch of herb. Beautifully balanced this wine will age quiet well. Drink Now." Wine Enthusiast

"Litchi fruit with kiwi and lemon notes. Very fresh and bright aromas. Full to medium body with lively acidity and a bright, tangy finish. Lime and some graphite come through." James Suckling

Livio Felluga's new cru wines are the result of massalselection. For this purpose, selected vines are reproduced in particularly favourable locations in order to renew vineyards with particularly high-quality vines and to further improve the quality of individual varietal wines.

The grapes for this very characterful and multi-layered Sauvignon Bianco come from vines planted back in 1975. It is characterised by its creamy texture and nine months of ageing in barrels after four weeks of malolactic fermentation. Pure gold in the glass with rich yellow nuances. Opens with a summery aroma of roses and boxwood, then physalis, passion fruit, nettle, pickled peach and a delicate hint of coriander. Smooth on the palate, very elegant with complex sweetness, exoticism and citrus fruit. The wood is well integrated and emphasises the aristocratic character of this exceptional wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"A blend of savory herbs, spiced orange peels and incense gives way to a vivid nectarine as the 2020 Sauvignon Potentilla blossoms in the glass. This is deeply textural, with masses of mineral-tinged pit fruits complicated by a sour citrus tinge. The 2020 finishes spicy and with a youthful tension that puckers the cheeks as candied lemons fade." Vinous

"A very serious Sauvignon blanc, showing intense lemons, stones, perfectly ripe gooseberries and limes with a hint of sour cream. Almost full-bodied on the palate with impressive concentration. Mineral, taut and broad with plenty of substance. Pure and supple." James Suckling

In South Tyrol, the "Vigna" classification guarantees the origin of a single-vineyard wine. This Sauvignon is a selection of the best grapes from the Oberkerschbaum estate in Buchholz/Salorno at an altitude of around 800 metres. Thanks to the special microclimate, the ideal orientation and the challenging altitude, the Oberkerschbaum estate is one of the most exciting cru sites for South Tyrolean Sauvignon.

Intense straw yellow colour with delicate greenish reflections. Aromas of ripe citrus fruits, grapefruit and bergamot mingle with delicate scents of flint and nettle. This fruitiness continues on the palate - Oberkerschbaum is a Sauvignon of harmonious complexity which, despite its racy acidity, never seems too lean and completely convinces us with its aromatic length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wildly unique, the 2021 Sauvignon Vigna Oberkerschbaum opens with a beguiling blend of rosemary, split pine and grapefruit zests, giving way to green melon. This is lifted and graceful, gliding across the palate with a saline-tinged blend of tart orchard fruits. A savory herbal thrust adds complexity toward the close. Mineral intense, this leaves the senses completely refreshed, finishing with medium length yet impactful. The Oberkerschbaum hails from a vineyard between 740 and 800 meters, and its high elevation comes through in spades." Vinous

The Sauvignon Blanc vines for this complex Riserva in small quantities (approx. 3,000 bottles) grow on grey porphyry and sandy-limestone rock flour in the "Kathreinerfelder" vineyard in Fiè allo Sciliar. Lemon yellow in colour with warm reflections. Complex bouquet of flint, preserved lemon, passion fruit, ripe apricot and melon. On the palate, the top Sauvignon of the house presents itself with depth, precision, minerality and a long, ripe finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright golden yellow with a sparkling centre. Intense flavours of pineapple, papaya, gooseberry and green pepper on the nose, with a hint of white pepper. Direct on the palate, with beautiful juiciness and a mineral note, fresh until the long final." Falstaff

"The sweetly scented 2021 Sauvignon Blanc Riserva Mathias opens with candied citrus, minty herbal tones and traces of sweet smoke. It sweeps across the palate with lifted textures and ripe tropical melon tones guided by zesty acidity. This finishes with admirable length yet wildly fresh. Chamomile hints leave the mouth watering for more." Vinous

"Beautiful nose with notes of glazed pineapple, grapefruit pith, honeysuckle spices and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, structured and tense with vivid acidity. Rich and concentrated fruit that comes with freshness and mineral tension on the mid-palate. Flavorful and long." James Suckling

The name "retus" comes from "Rhaetia" or "Raetia", the name of the Roman province. In Celtic, "reit" refers to a mountain village.

Bright straw green colour. Wild herbs, orange peel, green fruit and spices on the nose. Round and broad on the attack, then more straightforward and restrained in the centre, with enough of a salty edge and harmonious acidity to buffer the subtle fruit sweetness. The finish is long with flint and stone notes. Great Sauvignon Bianco with a refreshingly alpine character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Candied and cedar notes, a leafy character and a quince core. On the palate there’s complexity and concentration, with wet wool notes, a medium body and long, crisp acidity. Almonds in the finish." James Suckling

Pleasantly elegant and pleasantly unobtrusive Sauvignon Blanc from the Mock vineyard on steep slopes with gravel soils. Light greenish-yellow in colour, with a delicate aroma of elderflower, paprika, grapefruit and a hint of gooseberry. The well-balanced flavour is fruity, soft, with the right amount of strength and aromatic length. For us, this is undisputedly one of the best Sauvignon Bianco wines in this price range. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you were to make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

The single vineyard Sauvignon Bianco Lozeta is the result of the avant-garde planting system, which, in contrast to the method of cultivation previously practised in Friuli, means not only a higher planting density, but also the intelligent use of clones and biotypes intermarried with French offshoots. It is another uncompromising and consistent step towards complexity and personality, with optimal exploitation and expression of the existing terroir and microclimate.

Only since the 2019 vintage has the wine found the balance and complexity that enabled Christian Patat to present it to the public in a very small edition alongside the famous classics Peri, Sol and Salici. The second vintage of this interpretation of a Sauvignon Bianco full of character is not only something to look forward to, but also something to be proud of as a winemaker! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Lozeta has a dusty character, with spiced lemon peel and flowers complementing the crushed green apples. It is round and slightly opulent on the palate, with ripe fruit and enticing citrus notes. The finish is floral and precise with a lingering lemony intensity. The 2020 is a real delight." Vinous

Sauvignon Salici is radiantly bright, crisp and extremely nuanced. Traces of crushed rock and mint are beautifully concentrated in the glass. This energetic Sauvignon displays a highly independent and appealing personality. Salici is the essence of Sauvignon Bianco with a Friulian fingerprint from vines over 35 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Sauvignon Salici is delicate and floral, mixing crushed stone with lemon zest and freshly sliced nectarines. Seamless and serene, it flows across the palate with silken textures and ripe orchard fruits elevated by a twang of candied lime. The 2022 folds in upon itself through the finish, tart, intense and lightly structured, just begging for further cellaring to reveal its inner beauty." Vinous

The single-vineyard Sauvignon Bianco Lozeta is the result of the avant-garde planting system, which, in contrast to the cultivation method previously practised in Friuli, not only means a higher planting density, but also the intelligent use of clones and biotypes that have been married with French offshoots. It is a further uncompromising and consistent step towards complexity and personality, with optimal utilisation and expression of the existing terroir and microclimate.

Only since the 2019 vintage has the wine found the balance and complexity that enabled Christian Patat to present it to the public in a small edition alongside the famous classics Peri, Sol and Salici. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines from Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best produced in Friuli today. The choice is vast, as the transparency of the terroir is paramount here. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnays or Friulano wines, but the differences between the individual hills, the individual sites and the age of the individual vineyards create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

When you stand on the hill on which this vineyard is located and look out over the Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important for the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles, rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine how fascinated a winemaker would be by each of these unique sites. If you make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

"The 2022 Sauvignon Lozeta lifts from the glass with an herbal thrust mixed with lemon rind shavings and crushed green apples. This is cool-toned in feel, with lime-tinged acids and mineral tones giving way to crunchy orchard fruits. The 2022 takes on a bit of a tropical flair of florals and citrus through the finale, leaving sour melon to pinch at the cheeks as a salty flourish resonates and a pleasantly bitter tinge adds a lovely punctuation." Vinous