2023 Gonzalez Bastias - Naranjo Orange Wine Maule Valley (750ml)

González Bastías is both a small family winery and the town it takes its name from, tucked into western Maule along the southern bank of the Maule River near the coast. José Luis Bastías and his partner Daniela Lorenzo farm four hectares of bush vines that Bastías's family first planted in the early 1800s, making them roughly two centuries old and among the oldest continuously cultivated vineyards in Chile. The property is remote enough that reaching it involves crossing the river by canoe, and the couple works the land biodynamically and without machinery, a commitment that has made their wines a touchstone for those exploring Chile's heritage varieties.

Naranjo is built from a blend of Pink Moscatel, Torontel, and País, all dry farmed in sandy, granite based soils shaped by river stones. The grapes are hand harvested and pressed by hand over a traditional bamboo zaranda before fermenting with native yeast, spending several weeks macerating on their skins to draw out color and texture. The wine then rests for six months in old Chilean Raulí foudre before being bottled unfiltered and without fining.

Amber in color, this wine offers aromas of ripe peach, orange blossom, and white flowers. The palate is juicy and mineral, carrying medium acidity through to a long, lingering finish. It pairs beautifully with spicy dishes, sweet and sour pork, or a well aged cheese.