Terpin Sialis Bianco

A pioneer of natural winemaking, Franco Terpin performs greatness making wines of unrestrained elegance. He believes in representing century old traditions while letting the terroir speak for itself. Note - his wines are classified under the delle Venezia IGT due to the natural winemaking methods. He doesn’t uses chemicals in the winery or the vineyard. His 12 hectares are in the communes of San Floriane & Monte Calvario of  Friuli-Venezia Giulia.  The 70 year old vines are from the Cru Sialis, planted in rich, clay soils, comprised of Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon but the bulk of his wines are skin contact white wines. This particular wine is from the cru Sialis. The 70 year old vines are planted in rich clay soils. Spontaneous fermentation in Slovenian oak vats with skin contact for 14 days followed by 12 months of ageing in Slovenian oak barrels and 3 years in the bottle, hence the deep cloudy amber color. Artisanal from beginning to end.

Pinot GrigioFranco Terpin, 'Sialis' Bianco Sivi 2016

What strikes you first is the deeply amber red color with a slight haze (unfiltered).  The bouquet is deeply complex with an abundance of dried stone fruit and citrus zest, apple peel intertwined with fresh herbs, hay, sea spray, honey, spicy vanilla, mint and ginger. The power continues on the palate with fine grained tannins energized by bright acidity. It has such an intoxicating freshness and harmony. Flavors of dried peach, mango and nectarine, walnut skin, honeyed apple confit, mouthwatering minerality dominated by the citrus curd and warm clove ginger spice  This is a classic ramato full bodied style with 15% alcohol that is beautifully balanced with such ethereal presence with a very LONG finish.  The wine continued to evolve with time in the glass, like flipping pages of a riveting novel. Brilliant.

Pair with grilled halloumi, zucchini and eggplant stacks, pork vindaloo or lamb apricot tagine.