Lenn Thompson of The Cork Report.

Not as dark or as tannic as some examples, this is an orange wine that should appeal both to the style’s devotees and those new to the style.

The nose is quite herbaceous, but not in a weedy, underripe way. Instead, it’s quite savory with basil, and dried oregano notes sprinkled upon ripe musk melon, peach, and mandarin notes.

There is a deft balance between savory and fruit notes here on a taut-but-flavorful palate. Notes of peach, citrus, and acacia are abundant and morph as the wine warms to room temperature. The tannins – which can be overwhelming in some orange wines – are gently gritty here and pair with a fresh dose of acidity to bring that melange of flavors into start focus.

A long, bone-dry finish is somehow fruity and floral and savory all at once.

Blend: 100% rkatsiteli
Winemaking: fermented 15 days on the skins, aged on them for an additional 10 days and then fermented in amphora
ABV: 12%
Price: $40*