Marco Felluga: The Guardian of Collio
Marco Felluga is a legendary name in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. Founded in 1956 by Marco Felluga—a pioneer who helped define the modern identity of Italian white wine—the estate is located in the town of Gradisca d’Isonzo. Today, the winery is led by the sixth generation of the family, Ilaria Felluga, who continues the legacy of producing wines that are benchmarks for elegance, longevity, and territorial purity.
The "Cru" Connection: Russiz Superiore
In 1967, the family acquired the historic Russiz Superiore estate in Capriva del Friuli. While the Marco Felluga label represents a broad, high-quality expression of the Collio DOC, Russiz Superiore is often considered the "Grand Cru" of the family portfolio.
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Distinct Identities: Marco Felluga wines are identified by the Lion of St. Mark (a nod to Venetian heritage), while Russiz Superiore features a double-headed eagle.
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Terroir Mastery: Both estates benefit from "Flysch" (known locally as ponca)—a unique soil composed of alternating layers of marl and sandstone from ancient sea beds, which imparts a distinct savory minerality to the wines.
The Winemaking Style
The Felluga philosophy centers on varietal integrity and balance. They were among the first in the region to champion low yields and extended lees aging to create whites with "red wine structure."
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White Wine Excellence: Though they produce reds, the estate is a specialist in white varieties. Their wines are fermented primarily in stainless steel to preserve freshness, though premium cuvées often see a small percentage of oak to add weight and complexity.
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Longevity: Unlike many Italian whites intended for immediate consumption, Marco Felluga’s wines (especially the Reservas) are built to evolve, often reaching their peak 5–10 years after the vintage.
