Origini

For Roberto Cantori, the old vineyard at Arsicci represents a living connection between the knowledge of previous generations and the wines he wants to make today, the origins: Origini. When faced with the possibility of uprooting the estate's oldest vines, he chose instead to preserve them. Those vines now form the heart of Origini.

From around 450 metres above sea level, the vineyards look toward Monte San Vicino, the rocky landmark that dominates this part of the Marche.

The winemaking follows the same philosophy of preservation. Whole bunches are harvested manually, cooled overnight and pressed without destemming and in the absence of oxygen. Fermentation begins through a pied de cuve (spontaneous fermentation), followed by approximately six months on the fine lees.

The old vines of the Origini parcel provide depth and concentration, while acidity and an unmistakable saline character keep the wine energetic.

With age, Origini becomes even more fascinating. Its youthful flowers, yellow fruit, citrus and herbs gradually make room for preserved fruit, lemon peel, saffron and chamomile.

Origini shows a brilliant straw-yellow colour, developing increasingly golden nuances with bottle age while the youthful green reflections gradually disappear.

The nose is intense and remarkably layered. Elderflower, white peach and yellow-fleshed fruit meet fresh citrus and lemon peel, followed by the characteristic almond and anise notes of the wine. Sage, wild mint and other aromatic herbs bring a distinctly Mediterranean dimension.

Depending on its age, further nuances can emerge: candied citrus, hay, orange blossom and ripe apricot, alongside delicate balsamic and savoury sensations.

On the palate, Origini reveals its greatest strength: concentration without weight. There is substantial material and texture, yet vivid acidity and pronounced salinity continuously propel the wine forward. It feels structured without becoming oily or heavy.

A subtle bitterness appears toward the finish, recalling green almond and anise, while citrus and herbs linger on the palate.

Bottle ageing brings another dimension. The fruit becomes richer and more layered, while preserved fruit, lemon peel, saffron and chamomile begin to emerge.

Pairing

Origini's combination of concentration, acidity and salinity makes it considerably more versatile than a simple seafood white.

It is particularly well suited to grilled or baked fish, shellfish, seafood pasta, risotto, oily fish and Mediterranean vegetable dishes.

The aromatic herbs, citrus character and slight bitterness make it particularly interesting with Asian cuisine, including dishes combining spice, aromatic herbs and sweet-and-sour elements.

In Marche, near Apiro, Roberto Cantori has built Fattoria Nannì around one fundamental idea: allowing the indigenous grapes and old vineyards of his territory to speak as clearly as possible.

After studying oenology and gaining experience in the restaurant world, Roberto began his journey as a winegrower with the support of his family and Gianni Piersigilli, known as Nannì, to whom the estate's name is dedicated.

Verdicchio became the central language through which Roberto interprets his landscape. Rather than treating it as a single style of wine, he uses different vineyards and expressions to explore the variety's remarkable versatility.

Today, Fattoria Nannì farms 8.5 hectares of vineyards under certified organic viticulture and produces approximately 30,000 bottles annually.

At around 450 metres, the countryside surrounding Apiro sits between the cooling influence of the Apennines and air arriving from the Adriatic, while predominantly calcareous soils provide the foundation for wines marked by freshness and savoury character.

Old vineyards are particularly important to Roberto. Rather than seeing their lower productivity as a disadvantage, they represent memory, biodiversity and a connection with the viticultural history of Arsicci.