2024 Kiki & Juan Orange Wine

Aromas of dried apricot, tangerine peel, and acacia honey integrate with savory notes of orange pekoe tea and a hint of bruised apple. The palate is medium-bodied and texturally compelling, featuring a core of citrus zest and passion fruit. It displays a refreshing medium-plus acidity and a distinct phenolic grip from the skin contact, leading to a powerful finish marked by salted honey and a persistent savory edge.

Winemakers John House and Kerin Bembry utilize a blend of 90% Macabeo and 10% Sauvignon Blanc. The fruit is hand-harvested from 40-year-old vines and co-fermented using native yeasts. To achieve its characteristic amber hue and structural depth, the juice remains in contact with the skins for 21 to 24 days. The wine is produced with minimal intervention and no oak influence, preserving the raw energy and vibrant fruit profile of the organic grapes.

The fruit is grown in the Utiel-Requena region of Valencia, Spain. The site is defined by its high-altitude vineyards, situated at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, where the climate is arid and harsh but moderated by Mediterranean winds. These vineyards feature poor, organic soils composed of river rock, clay, and limestone. This unique environment allows the grapes to maintain a sharp structural tension and a clean mineral backbone, providing a refreshing balance to the wine's rich texture.