2016 Pinot Gris Orange Wine

This wine is without question the most unique wine of the lineup, which I love to drink, but it seems there is never enough since it is made in such small quantities. To quickly explain, an “orange wine” is made from white grapes, but instead of pressing the white grapes and discarding the skins like normal white wine production, they are kept in contact (just like red wine production) with the juice for 22 days extracting a touch of color. In this case since Pinot Gris was used, which has a touch more pigment to the skins, and the result is a highly aromatic light pink colored wine which has structure similar similar to a red wine with a touch of tannin. The nose is highly perfumed and shows aromas of blood orange, red apple skin, cantaloupe peel, candied grapefruit and a touch of spice. The palate is dry and structured with a light touch of tannin. Flavors match the nose with flavors of orange peel, sweet grapefruit, wet flowers, preserved lemon and a light mineral accent on the finish. This wine is a pleasure to drink on its own or with food which should be served slightly chilled, about 50-55 degrees in a large white wine stem or Burgundy stem. - By Consulting master sommelier Ian Cauble