The 2020 Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio Curubella from the Friuli region in Italy is a distinctive white wine that has garnered impressive reviews from multiple esteemed wine critics. This wine, produced by Livio Felluga, is characterized by its elegant and complex profile, making it a notable choice for Pinot Grigio enthusiasts.
Vinous reviewer Eric Guido awarded the 2020 Pinot Grigio Curubella a score of 90. He describes the wine as "both savory and spicy, with a captivating bouquet that mixes grapefruit and lemon zest with sage, tomato leaf, and wet stone." Guido notes its elegance, with "penetrating citrus and mineral tones that complicate its crunchy green apple fruit." He highlights its long, airy finish with "beautiful inner florals and a saturation of citrus," suggesting a well-rounded and intriguing wine experience.
James Suckling, a prominent figure in the wine community, gave this wine an excellent score of 95. He praises its balanced nature, stating, "This is spiced with candied mandarin and peach skins as well as dried herbs and hints of cream." He finds the wine to be "medium- to full-bodied" and "so complete and lengthy on the palate," emphasizing its polished and even texture. Suckling also notes the "toned acidity and a somewhat firm, phenolic backbone," calling it "tense and nervy, but very elegant, too." His review suggests that the wine is suitable for both immediate enjoyment and aging.
Wine Spectator's review by AN gave the wine a score of 91, describing it as "a tightly meshed white that unfurls on the palate, with a minerally underpinning of smoke and saline bolstering flavors of grainy pear, orange curd, chamomile, and crushed almond." The review highlights the wine's "racy and mouthwatering" nature, yet also notes a "creamy nappe to the texture that works nicely with the acidity." The long finish, featuring "mineral elements and light herb and floral accents," indicates a well-crafted wine that can be enjoyed now or over the next several years.
In summary, the 2020 Livio Felluga Pinot Grigio Curubella is a highly regarded white wine that offers a complex and balanced profile. It is praised for its elegant bouquet, penetrating citrus and mineral tones, and lengthy finish. With high scores from Vinous, James Suckling, and Wine Spectator, this wine stands out as an excellent choice for both immediate drinking and potential aging.