Heinrich Naked Orange NV

Heinrich Naked Orange is made by Weingut Heinrich, founded in 1990 by Gernot and Heike Heinrich in the Burgenland region of Austria. The winery built its name on red wine but did not want to abandon white varieties, and this orange wine is the result. It is a field blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Traminer and Muscat, farmed organically and made naturally. The grapes are macerated on their skins, then aged 18 months in a combination of amphora, barrel and on the lees. The amphora and barrel both allow slow oxygen exchange that builds oxidative, savoury complexity, the clay without wood flavour and the barrel adding a faint spice, while the lees ageing releases mannoproteins that add body. The long skin contact draws tannin and phenolic grip, and the spread of aromatic varieties layers in perfume. Burgenland is warm and continental, moderated by the shallow Neusiedlersee, which gives ripeness with retained freshness. The wine is a brilliant amber. The nose shows apricot, white peach and orange peel over dried herbs and white flowers. The palate is dry, refreshing and structured, balanced acidity carrying the skin tannin to an almond and honeyed finish. Serve at 12 to 14 degrees. A wine that suits savoury food.