Maison Rigal ‘Vin Orange’ Gros Manseng 2021

This wine is very much ‘discover skin contact/orange wine’ in it’s design, giving the ability to introduce first time consumers to this category. The grapes are exclusively sourced from the Gascony region and the wine is made by a partner winery of Rigal called Domaine Hauret who both own vines and specialise in the wines of Gascony. The wine itself is classified as a Vin de France due to the fact there is no AOP law in Gascony governing the production of Orange wine. Gros Manseng, 10% Colombard, Co-fermented. No sulphur added before ferment or during ferment or elevage, only at bottling 60 to 70 days on skins during fermentation. No pumping over or pigeage. Fermentation in a closed stainless steel tank. Rigal use a rod inserted through the must which uses nitrogen to move the juice/against the skins plus helps protect against oxygen. No malolactic to retain acidity. Post ferment just free run is used for the final wine. They found the pressings can be too oxidative and given no sulphur is used until bottling it’s too volatile. Wine is stirred regularly on fine lees for 2 to 3 months in tank. Light filtration before bottling.  No additions of any kind throughout the process except a small dose of sulphur at bottling. Vegan friendly.