2023 Mélange 'Carte Sauvage' Orange Riesling

A new orange wine from Harrison Eaton's Melange label, this is 100% Riesling sourced from the BioGro-certified Brawn Vineyard in the Lower Wairau Valley in Marlborough.

Hand harvested and 100% destemmed, the wine was basket-pressed after 88 days on skins where it underwent full malolactic fermentation in barrel.

The extended skin contact induces a fascinating transformation from the typical expression of riesling. 

Vibrant amber in colour, on the nose there is ripe stonefruit and floral accents with a herbal, almost peppery nuance.

On the palate, there is bracing acidity balanced by a rich mouthfeel. Dried fruits, honey, and citrus are underpinned by savoury tannins. The finish is long and layered, fresh and complex.

A wine to challenge expectations, but also a hell of a lot of fun, this would pair brilliantly with fried chicken or spicy eggplant.