The Vodopivec Origine 2018 showcases the potential of natural winemaking in Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Crafted from the indigenous Vitovska grape, this orange wine presents a captivating exploration of texture, minerality, and subtle aromatics.

The initial nose of Origine is immediately engaging, offering charming expressions of stone fruits and a hint of floral character, underpinned by a stony minerality. Further exploration reveals a more intricate bouquet, with some tasters noting nuances of quince, blanched almonds, and dried white flowers.

On the palate, Origine boasts a textured mouthfeel with remarkable depth and complexity. Minerality takes center stage, offering a vibrant tension reminiscent of a top-tier Chablis, with a delightful salinity and refreshing snap. The wine displays impressive weight, leading to a lengthy and persistent finish marked by subtle hints of dried honey and a lingering touch of chalk.

The meticulous winemaking philosophy behind Origine contributes significantly to its unique character. The Vitovska grapes undergo destemming and crushing before spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in large Slavonian oak vats. A 15-day maceration period on the skins allows for optimal color and flavor extraction, followed by extended aging for 36 months in large Slavonian oak casks. The one wine in Paolo’s cellar that doesn’t spend time in amphorae.