From the revered Manditocai vineyard in Ruttars, nestled in the northwestern reaches of Collio in Dolegna del Collio, Livon’s 2022 Friulano “Manditocai” delivers a sophisticated and deeply rooted expression of the region’s signature white varietal. With its south and southwest exposure and classic Ponca soils (marl and sandstone), the site offers ideal conditions for ripening Friulano with both richness and tension. Fermented half in French oak barriques and half in stainless steel, and aged for 8 months before blending, the wine achieves a seamless balance of fruit purity and refined structure. Pale gold colour, the nose is layered and evocative, opening with fragrant floral notes, Marigold blossoms, summer meadow, stonefruit, touch of petrol, and a faint herbaceous note completes the bouquet. More yellow flower, citrus, peach, and minerality on palate. It's fresh and energetic. Friulano is a great variety for representing terroir and Manditocai 2022 shines bright with precision and poise. Tasted February 2025. 93 points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
wine review: 2022 Livon Malvasia Collio DOC “Soluna”
Livon Malvasia Collio DOC 'Soluna' - Sourced from the esteemed Ruttars Cru in the northwestern reaches of Collio, in Dolegna del Collio, Livon’s Malvasia “Soluna” is a strikingly expressive and terroir-driven white that captures the wild elegance of its origin. On the nose, Soluna unfurls with a smoky allure—fumé, wood smoke, and flint—layered over ripe stone fruit, apricot, apple, and wild herbs. This savory aromatic complexity offers a deeply evocative first impression. The palate is no less compelling: vibrant orchard fruits—pear, apple—give way to honeyed stone fruit richness, balanced by a firm streak of saline minerality. The finish is long, textured, and mouthwatering, echoing the wine's smoky and mineral undertones with a persistent, salty lift. A refined and characterful expression of Malvasia, Soluna is drinking beautifully now but has the structure and depth to evolve over the coming years. Tasted February 2025. 93+ points. Matt Steeves - http://www.quercusvino.ca
