Florèz Wines 'Kind of Orange" 2022

This Orange is made from Viognier sourced inland in the Cienega Valley, that is fermented with native yeasts with 25% whole cluster grapes and three weeks of maceration on the skins. The wine then ages in neutral French oak for 6 months on the lees before unfiltered bottling. Restrained aromas of tropical fruit and mandarin are met with a soft and round body with layered stone fruit and tropical flavors supported by bright acidity and silky tannins that build to a dry finish. Pair with a creamy butternut squash risotto.

Process: Manual harvest. Fermented with native yeasts with 25% whole cluster. 3 weeks of maceration with skins was followed by 6 months in neutral French oak sur lie. No ameliorations, filtration or added sulfites.

Profile: Aromatic, with notes of Peach O’s and mandarin supported by medium plus acidity and tannins.

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After studying Oenology at UC Davis and then working in wineries around the world for a decade, James Jelks returned to his birthplace of Santa Cruz to make expressive California wines with Old world sensibility. He sources some of his grapes from Organic and sustainable vineyards around the Santa Cruz area, and organically dry farms the rest.