Marco Felluga

Marco Felluga founded the estate in 1956 after his family relocated from Istria following World War II, though the family's winemaking lineage extends to the late 1800s. Marco earned a reputation as one of the most innovative vintners in Italy, pioneering the aging of white wines in Friuli at a time when that idea was largely unheard of. In 1967 he expanded the operation by purchasing the Russiz Superiore estate, a 125-acre property in Capriva del Friuli. The following year, he played a key role in helping to establish the Collio DOC in 1968, cementing the region's identity on the Italian wine map. The estate is now in the hands of sixth-generation Ilaria Felluga, following a majority stake acquisition by the Tommasi family from Valpolicella.

• Founded 1956 in Gradisca d'Isonzo; family roots in winemaking date to the late 1800s
• Russiz Superiore acquired in 1967, adding 125 acres in Capriva del Friuli
• Marco Felluga helped introduce the Collio DOC in 1968
• Sixth-generation Ilaria Felluga currently leads the estate

The estate's vineyards sit at elevations between 80 and 250 meters across four distinct parts of Collio: Farra d'Isonzo, San Floriano del Collio, Oslavia, and Cormòns. The defining soil is Ponca, the local name for Flysch, a formation of layered sandstone, limestone, and clay deposited by ancient sea beds. This mineral-rich, well-draining soil is fundamental to the structure and aromatic complexity of Collio whites. The climate is continental with meaningful maritime influence, shaped by cool air descending from the Alps and the moderating presence of the Adriatic Sea. The dramatic diurnal temperature shifts that result preserve acidity and aromatic precision in the grapes.

• Vineyards at 80-250 meters across Farra d'Isonzo, San Floriano del Collio, Oslavia, and Cormòns
• Ponca (Flysch) soils: layered sandstone, limestone, and clay from ancient sea beds
• Continental climate with Adriatic maritime influence and Alpine cooling
• Large diurnal temperature shifts preserve acidity and aromatic intensity

White grapes dominate the estate, accounting for three-quarters of production. Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Ribolla Gialla, and Sauvignon Blanc form the backbone of the white wine program, while Merlot, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Cabernet Franc, and Moscato Rosa represent the red and aromatic side of the portfolio. The house style emphasizes structure and complexity over simple freshness, producing whites with genuine aging potential. Marco Felluga was a pioneer of this approach in Friuli, demonstrating that the region's whites deserved cellaring rather than immediate consumption. The estate holds certified sustainable agriculture status.

• Three-quarters of production is white wine
• Key whites: Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Ribolla Gialla, Sauvignon Blanc
• Reds and aromatics include Merlot, Refosco, Cabernet Franc, and Moscato Rosa
• Wines are designed for structure, complexity, and bottle aging