Artesano Vintners - Taronja 2024

(Catalunya, Spain) 

Made from a blend of Muscat and Parellada, this is a great example of the blending techniques used by Alex and Artesano. The nose on this is all exuberant muscat, super bright and aromatic with ripe apricot, stem ginger and tangerine. The use of Parellada, a variety best known for cava cuts through on the palate and gives it freshness and crisp acidity. Gentle tannins to round out the body and a slight grippiness due to it being aged in amphora makes this a deeply drinkable wine, and a really approachable orange. 

Artesano Vintners is the project of New Zealanders Mikey Shepherd and Alex Craighead. The project is born from a friendship and shared approach to wine that stretches back to their time working harvests in New Zealand. Mikey moved to Catalunya, and as Alex shared his passion for Spanish wines they embarked on a new project in the region together, building close relationships with a small group of organic growers to buy their grapes. Today their focus is increasingly on higher-altitude vineyards and limestone soils, and they've increasingly grown their production, including collaborative projects and wines made for long-time supporters such as Barcelona's Bar Brutal.