CHARDONNAY

Producer: Franco Terpin

Production Area: San Floriano del Collio(GO)-Friuli V.G.-Italy

Vintage: 2016

Grapes: Chardonnay 

Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, with maceration on the skins for about 10 days.

Aging: It then matures in Slovenian oak barrels for 12 months, followed by aging in steel for another 12 months and then 4 years in bottle. No filtration or forced stabilization.That long oak + steel + bottle time is why the 2016 is drinking now with a lot of depth.

Alc.:15%vol.

Allergens: Contains sulfites 

Serving temperature: 12-14°C

Pairings: Risotto, pasta, white meat, aged cheeses, or mushrooms

Tasting Notes: On the nose intense aromas of ripe fruit, honeyed notes, and withered flowers. On the palate it is warm and enveloping, round, with good minerality and freshness and a long finish.

In the heart of the Collio region, specifically in San Floriano del Collio on the border between Italy and Slovenia, lies the Franco Terpin winery. Established in 1994, the estate was born from Franco and his family's deep-rooted passion for the land, driven by a commitment to express the unique identity of this exceptional viticultural area.

Terpin is widely recognized as a pioneer and master of natural winemaking and the production of orange wines in Italy. From the very beginning, the winery's philosophy has steered away from modern enological conventions, embracing a strictly artisanal, low-intervention approach both in the vineyards and the cellar.

In the Vineyard: The vines thrive on traditional ponca soils (marl and sandstone characteristic of Collio), farmed completely free of chemical pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. The management focuses entirely on respecting biodiversity and natural cycles, resulting in very low yields per hectare to ensure healthy, ripe, and concentrated grapes.

In the Cellar: Fermentation takes place spontaneously using indigenous yeasts only, with no filtration, fining, or added sulfites (or with minimal doses at bottling only when strictly necessary). The signature trait of Terpin’s wines is extended skin contact—even for white grape varieties like Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay. This traditional technique imparts intense colors, remarkable structure, aromatic complexity, and extraordinary aging potential.

Franco Terpin's wines are a true reflection of the Collio terroir:deep, vibrant, complex, and possessing an unmistakable personality designed to captivate and tell an authentic story with every sip.