Russiz Superiore

The name Russiz Superiore was first recorded in 1273 when Raimondo della Torre, patriarch of Aquileia, designated the site for its elevated position, meaning superior or high location. Marco Felluga acquired the estate in 1967, embedding it within a family winemaking legacy spanning six generations and over 150 years. Today, sixth-generation Ilaria Felluga leads the estate. In 2024, a formal partnership with Tommasi Family Estates was established, extending the estate's reach while preserving its identity as a pioneer of modern viticulture in Collio.

• Estate name documented as far back as 1273 by the patriarch of Aquileia
• Marco Felluga purchased the estate in 1967
• Ilaria Felluga, sixth generation, currently leads operations
• Tommasi Family Estates partnership formalized in 2024

The estate covers 95 hectares in the heart of the Collio DOC, with approximately 40 to 50 hectares planted to DOC-qualifying varieties. Vineyards sit at elevations of 80 to 200 meters above sea level. The defining soil type is ponca, a laminated mix of marl, sandstone, loam rock, limestone, and clay layers formed during the Eocene period from ancient ocean sediment. These impermeable soils prevent water stagnation and erosion while imparting the characteristic minerality found in Russiz Superiore wines. The moderate continental climate is tempered by cool winds descending from the Julian Alps and breezes arriving from the Adriatic Sea, creating ideal conditions for aromatic white varieties.

• Ponca soils date to the Eocene period, originating from ancient ocean floor
• Elevations range from 80 to 200 meters above sea level
• Impermeable soil structure prevents water stagnation and supports vine stress
• Climate moderated by Julian Alps winds and Adriatic Sea breezes

Russiz Superiore focuses predominantly on white wines, with Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Friulano (Tocai Friulano) forming the core of production. Cabernet Franc and Merlot represent the red wine offering. All wines are produced exclusively from estate-grown fruit. Between 15 and 20 percent of white wine juice is fermented in oak barrels, contributing texture and depth without overwhelming the natural freshness. The portfolio includes several single-site bottlings: Sauvignon Lungo Strada scored 92 out of 100 on the Bigot Index, while Tocai Friulano Centralina and Cabernet Franc Pietra each achieved 90 out of 100.

• White varieties include Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Friulano
• 15 to 20 percent of white wine juice fermented in oak barrels
• All production uses exclusively Russiz Superiore estate fruit
• Sauvignon Lungo Strada rated 92/100 on the Bigot Index

Russiz Superiore maintains vineyard density at 4,500 to 7,000 vines per hectare and practices sustainable viticulture using organic methods, though the estate holds no official organic certification. The winemaking philosophy centers on wines built for aging, designed to develop mineral complexity, ripe fruit character, and freshness over time. Multiple vineyard parcels are classified by varietal, reflecting a parcel-level approach to quality that mirrors practices common in Burgundy and Alsace.

• Vineyard density of 4,500 to 7,000 vines per hectare
• Sustainable, organic-method viticulture without official certification
• Wines designed for aging, developing minerality and fruit complexity over time
• Individual parcels classified by varietal for targeted quality management