Franco Terpin

Friuli, in Italy’s renowned Friuli-Venezia Giulia region on the border with Slovenia, is a benchmark for natural white wine, particularly skin-contact “orange” wines crafted from indigenous grape varieties.

In the Collio area near Gorizia, a historic hub of natural winemaking, pioneers like Gravner and Radikon have helped define a global movement centred on minimal intervention, terroir expression, and extended maceration. Within this landscape, the Terpin family estate stands out for its deeply rooted commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture.

Franco Terpin farms across 14 hectares split between Italy and Slovenia, including vineyards near Monte Calvario and the Isonzo, Franco has transformed the estate from traditional polyculture into a leading example of sustainable, low-intervention winegrowing. Working with the region’s distinctive “ponka” soils—rich in marl, clay, and sandstone—the focus is on soil health, vine balance, and natural resilience, with little to no chemical inputs. In the cellar, long skin macerations ranging from days to weeks unlock texture, structure, and aromatic depth in varieties such as Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay.

The result is a range of expressive orange wines that are fresh yet complex, mineral-driven yet textural—authentic natural wines that capture the raw character of Friuli terroir without artifice.