El Troyano – Orange wine

A great introduction to ‘Orange wine’, which you may have seen appear on various restaurant lists and wine bars over recent years. Essentially a white wine, that has been in contact or fermented on it’s skins (normally removed). This example is made from Verdejo grapes, macerated in 200 litre clay amphora and large French oak vats. Pump overs help extract the amber colours and lees ageing adds smoothness and complexity. The result is an intriguing and refreshing wine with aromas of peach and orange. On the palate it is savoury and persistent, with marked acidity and delicate hints of vanilla and spice. Great with food, particuarly appetisers, salmon, grilled chicken and semi cured cheese like Manchego. Best drink lightly chilled, why not try ‘Orange’?

Simon J Woolf, vinepair.com “This wine, from Parra Jimenez, wins the most-fun-wine-I’ve-tasted-all-year award. Bright, tangy redcurrant & rhubarb fruit, with a subtle tannic prickle that does exactly what rhubarb does to your tongue. And a lovely creamy finish that underpins the fruit. Who knew that Verdejo, grown biodynamically in La Mancha, could create this sort of rosé-with-attitude? Super fresh, fun & Genre-busting in every possible way.” August 2020