Weird and wonderful! Weird because it is a field blend of Semillón, Sauvignon Vert, Moscatel, Torontel, and Corinto (also known as Chasselas) planted in the 1940s. Also, weird because it undergoes 10-months of post fermentation skin contact that carries the potential to turn it into unbalanced orange wine. Wonderful because of the enjoyment it provides, at a mere 12.5 percent stated alcohol. It leads with a straw — not orange — color and delivers depth and complexity coupled with vibrancy. The barest hint of tannin emerges, due to the prolonged skin contact, importing a touch more structure. Sebastián Labbé, Santa Rita’s winemaker responsible for their Floresta and other ultra-premium bottlings, describes it as a “white wine with a red wine soul.” It is a terrific choice for hearty food, like roast pork, not pool-side sipping.
92 Michael Apstein – July 16, 2025