Jousset 2021 Maceration de Menu Pineau

As fasctinating as it is delicious, the 'Macération de Menu Pineau' was Lise and Bertrand's first foray into the 'orange wine' (skin contact) category. Originally taking the obscure Menu Pineau grape and letting the juice and skins sit together for 9 weeks, the 2021 was instead a 12-month "infusion" style maceration, with no pump over and very minimal extraction. The wine is then aged in barrel after maceration period and then for several months in tank before bottling. This is a fascinating wine, with notes of bergamot, burnt orange, eucalyptus and black tea. A touch of pleasant fruit and acidity provide balance, and the palate has fine tannins and structure. No sulfites added!