VDF "O" Macération (Orange) 2019

This is a skin contact 100% Pinot Gris that marries savoury and fruit flavours and bridges the gap between rosé and orange wine. It has a seductive, lively nose of candied citrus peel, but is more savoury and saline on the palate. Lots of acidity and a lightly spicy finish with a hint of tannins. Serve lightly chilled, at 12-14°C.

While Reynald Héaulé is known for his passion for blending rare and native grapes, this cuvée is one of his few single-varietal wines. He uses Pinot Gris in his blended whites, but sought to create a different expression of this aromatic grape as a single-varietal. The grapes are left on the skins up to 21 days, giving the wine an intense colour, depth of flavour and a slight tannic grip.

Vinification: Vines up to 20 years-old grown on quartz, limestone and clay soils are hand-harvested and the grapes are gently pressed and fermented for 3 weeks on the skins. The wine is aged for up to 6 months in old oak barrels and is unfired and unfiltered.

Match it with: Ideal with spicy foods or textured dishes like seafood stew or a vegetable risotto. Also great with sharp cheese.