Region: Extremadura, Spain (Vegas Altas / IGP Tierra de Extremadura)
Grapes: 100% Cayetana Blanca
Body: Medium
Notes: Dried apricot, candied citrus peel, bruised yellow apple, subtle herbal tea, chamomile, and white pepper, with a balanced phenolic grip, bright acidity, and a savory, mineral finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, roasted pork, manchego cheese, grilled octopus, tapas, or spicy paella
The Producer
Altos de Montánchez is an artisanal, low-intervention winery situated in Extremadura, a rural, historic winemaking region in southwestern Spain. Dedicated to preserving ancient native grape varieties and old-vine agricultural heritage, the estate focuses heavily on sustainable and organic farming practices across its sun-drenched vineyards. In the cellar, the winemaking team works with minimal intervention: utilizing spontaneous wild yeast fermentations, avoiding industrial additives, and using neutral vessels to craft authentic, site-expressive wines that showcase the unique terroir and native grapes of Extremadura.
The Wine
The 2022 "Vegas Altas" Orange is a compelling skin-contact white wine made entirely from Cayetana Blanca—a neutral, high-acid white grape indigenous to the Extremadura region. Hand-harvested from mature vines, the grapes undergo extended skin-contact maceration and spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. This skin contact transforms the grape's subtle profile, drawing out a deep golden-amber hue, rich aromatic tea notes, and a gentle, chalky tannic structure. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the 2022 vintage masterfully pairs punchy notes of dried stone fruits, orange peel, and Mediterranean botanicals with a lively natural acidity and a long, savory finish.
Region: Extremadura, Spain (Vegas Altas / IGP Tierra de Extremadura)
Grapes: 100% Cayetana Blanca
Body: Medium
Notes: Dried apricot, candied citrus peel, bruised yellow apple, subtle herbal tea, chamomile, and white pepper, with a balanced phenolic grip, bright acidity, and a savory, mineral finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, roasted pork, manchego cheese, grilled octopus, tapas, or spicy paella
The Producer
Altos de Montánchez is an artisanal, low-intervention winery situated in Extremadura, a rural, historic winemaking region in southwestern Spain. Dedicated to preserving ancient native grape varieties and old-vine agricultural heritage, the estate focuses heavily on sustainable and organic farming practices across its sun-drenched vineyards. In the cellar, the winemaking team works with minimal intervention: utilizing spontaneous wild yeast fermentations, avoiding industrial additives, and using neutral vessels to craft authentic, site-expressive wines that showcase the unique terroir and native grapes of Extremadura.
The Wine
The 2022 "Vegas Altas" Orange is a compelling skin-contact white wine made entirely from Cayetana Blanca—a neutral, high-acid white grape indigenous to the Extremadura region. Hand-harvested from mature vines, the grapes undergo extended skin-contact maceration and spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. This skin contact transforms the grape's subtle profile, drawing out a deep golden-amber hue, rich aromatic tea notes, and a gentle, chalky tannic structure. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the 2022 vintage masterfully pairs punchy notes of dried stone fruits, orange peel, and Mediterranean botanicals with a lively natural acidity and a long, savory finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.