Azul y Garanza Suelo Vivo Blanco 2025

Azul y Garanza works in Navarra with a focus on biodiversity and sustainable farming, drawing lessons from the costs of intensive agriculture. Suelo Vivo Blanco, meaning living soil, is an orange wine blending Garnacha Blanca with Moscatel de Alejandría, the latter adding floral aromatics to the broader, textured Garnacha. The vineyards sit in the warm, dry country of Navarra, where hot days and cool nights ripen the fruit to 13 percent while preserving freshness. The wine ferments on the white grape skins and ages for six months in old stone troughs on its lees. Fermenting with the skins gives the amber colour and a phenolic grip, while the time on the lees releases mannoproteins that round the texture and add a nutty depth. The old stone vessels allow gentle oxidative development without oak. The colour is an alluring amber, with a nose of orange peel, dried apricot and white peach over dried herbs. The palate is dry and textured, with an almondy lees note, a savoury grip and a saline finish. Natural and organic. Serve at 12 to 14 degrees in a broad glass, with roast pork, poultry or hard cheese.