2023 Naranja – Dominio de las Abejas 2023 750ML

2023 Naranja – Dominio de las Abejas

Prepare for a uniquely delicious experience with the 2023 Naranja from Dominio de las Abejas, a captivating “skin contact” white wine that redefines expectations. Like all of their meticulously crafted wines, this “orange wine” achieves a perfect harmony of fruit, tannin, texture, and persistence, dialing the pleasure factor up to eleven.

This intriguing wine is made by vinifying white grapes in a manner similar to red grapes, allowing the juice to macerate on the skins during fermentation. The result is a stunning orange hue rather than the typical yellow, and a completely distinct body, unlike most white wines. Here, you’ll discover the texture, complexity, and even some of the structural elements you’d expect from a red wine, all enveloped in the grace and weightless elegance of a bright white wine. While production remains limited, making it a sought-after gem, thankfully, more was made this year, easing the hunt for this exceptional bottling.

Tasting Notes:

• Appearance: A beautiful and distinctive orange color, a hallmark of extended skin contact.
• Palate: Experience a fascinating interplay of textures and flavors. Expect a bright and lively acidity that lifts the wine, complemented by a subtle tannic grip derived from skin contact. The blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Marsanne, and Viognier contributes a complex array of fruit notes, potentially including ripe stone fruit, zesty citrus, and hints of tropical and floral nuances. The fuller body and intriguing texture set it apart from typical white wines, leading to a persistent and satisfying finish.

Drinking Window:

Enjoy this unique wine upon release and over the next 4 years.

• Vintage: 2023
• Blend: 32% Chardonnay, 22% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Colombard, 19% Marsanne, 7% Viognier
• Producer: Dominio de las Abejas
• Winemaker: Mauricio Ruiz (Mexican)
• Vineyards: Valle de Ojos Negros – Estate vineyards planted in 2015 at an elevation of 2,200 ft in a unique section of the valley that was once a marsh. Vineyards are certified organic by the CCOF.
• Winemaking: A co-fermented blend of all the estate’s white grapes, with 18 days of skin contact (except the direct-pressed Colombard, blended at the end). Fermentation occurred on native yeasts at the lowest possible temperature to manage tannins. Bottled without filtration or fining.
• Sulfites: 30 ppm
• Farming: Organic, sustainable
• Alcohol: 12.0%
• Production: 800 cases made

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this compelling and delicious 2023 Naranja from Dominio de las Abejas a true testament to their innovative and quality-driven approach to winemaking in Valle de Ojos Negros.