April 2024 - Orange Club

Xarel-lo, Parellada, Macabeu

Grapefruits, apricots, peaches, and almonds!

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 11%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Cellar

Region:Catalunya, Spain

Oriol Artigas, a native of Vilassar de Dalt within the Alella appellation, stumbled into winemaking serendipitously after initially aspiring to become a chemist. However, a transformative harvest experience in Penedès redirected his path towards enology, leading him to work at various wineries across Catalonia before teaching enology at a local university. This stability afforded Oriol the opportunity to pursue his true passion: revitalizing old coastal Alella vineyards. His mission involves crafting transparent, non-interventionist wines that reflect the nearby Mediterranean, infused with the essence of garrigue and sea salt. Situated just north of Barcelona, Alella boasts a rich viticultural history, though its vineyard area has diminished over time due to urbanization.

Skin Contact Palomino, Doña Blanca

White flowers, citrus, stone fruits, and a hint of spice.

Vintage:

• 2022

ABV:

• 12.5%

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Style:

Food Wine

Region: Castilla y Leon, Spain

In his winemaking approach, Diego prioritizes minimal intervention to preserve the vitality and essence of the vineyards. He opts for a combination of unlined concrete vats and aged oak and chestnut casks, believing these materials allow the wine to breathe, unlike stainless steel which he perceives as stifling the wine's natural character. Eschewing pumps, additives, and sulfur dioxide additions since the 2016 vintage in his recently constructed bodega, Diego critiques enological products as components of a capitalist system. Drawing parallels to his past as a musician, he sees winemaking as a form of creative expression. Diego's philosophy is encapsulated in his belief that many in natural winemaking merely mimic without truly connecting with their vineyards. Clearly, Diego stands apart

Ezerjó

Grapefruit, mango, guava and honeysuckle.

Vintage:

• 2021

ABV:

• 13.5%

Funky Scale:

Mostly Funky

Style:

Food Wine

Region: Somló,

Krisztina Csetvei was born near Szabadka in 1983 (Subotica, a Hungarian-speaking town in Serbia) before relocating to Budapest with her family during her childhood.

At the Technical University in Hungary, Krisztina pursued studies in marketing and management. In 2006, during a practical training stint, she ventured into the then-newly established Béres Winery in Tokaj. A Christmas gift from the Béres family—a voucher for a WSET course—proved to be a turning point. Passing the course ignited Krisztina's passion for wines, prompting her to delve into systematic tasting and explore the art of food and wine pairing.

Vintage:

ABV:

Funky Scale:

Middle of the Road

Style:

Region: Itata Valley, Chile

Vinos Mingaco is a unique winery that captures the spirit of Chile's Itata Valley through its exceptional wines. Nestled in this historic region, known for its old-vine vineyards and diverse microclimates, Vinos Mingaco focuses on sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in the winemaking process. The winery's commitment to organic farming practices ensures that the grapes reflect the true character of the land, free from synthetic chemicals and additives.

In the cellar, traditional techniques such as wild yeast fermentation and aging in neutral vessels allow the natural flavors to develop fully. This approach results in wines that are vibrant, expressive, and true to their origin.