ORANGE features a selection of macerations which invigorate and excite. Offering examples so filigree and fine they could be classified as genre-defying, alongside those with enough flesh and grip to stand up to the most robust of cooking, few wines are as versatile on the table as these.
LAMBERT SPIELMANN
This is Muska 2021
Alsace, France
This is a field blend of young vines planted with three kinds of Muscat (à Petits Grains Blanc & Rouge and Ottonel) planted over clay in the village of Epfig. The grapes fermented as whole bunches for a week before being pressed off to vat for a short rest. The vintage has produced a more subtle wine than previous years, with gentle notes of mandarin and herbs. Almost weightless on the palate, it makes for a wonderful aperitif.
Muscat à Petit Grains Blanc & Rouge, Muscat Ottonel
LE COSTE
Bianco 2021
Lazio, Italy
Mostly Procanico with the balance being made up of Malvasia, Roscetto, Pedino, Vermentino, Romanesco and Ansonica from vineyards young and old. From arguably their best ever vintage, here the grapes were destemmed and macerated for a fortnight before being pressed off to old casks for a year of élevage. A gorgeous, pale shade of gold in the glass, this is remarkably fine boned, with neat tannins framing gentle notes of citrus zest and minerals. A wine of impeccable balance, every detail appears to be in place.
Procanico, Malvasia, Roscetto, Pedino, Vermentino, Romanesco, Ansonica
CANTINA GIARDINO
Paski 2021
Campania, Italy
From seventy year old vines of Coda di Volpe planted around 450 metres above sea level. This spent five days on skins before being pressed off to chestnut casks for a year. Hazy, straw yellow in the glass, this is a little shy on opening, with air revealing exotic fruits, smoke and a pleasant herbaceous note. Great now, it will age wonderfully for years to come.
Coda di Volpe