JCV Charlie Villard Ramato Pinot Grigio Casablanca Valley, 2019

Orange wines have become a bit of a thing in recent years. I must admit that the majority of them have left me unstirred. And then, occasionally, I come across a wine like JC’s Ramato and it all makes sense. Vibrant orange in colour, it has aromas of burnt caramel, earth and floral notes with just a touch of sulphide. The palate is even more interesting with its layered texture and spicy flavours with orange and honeysuckle and a lingering marmalade character. Orange wines are basically wines made from white grapes using the same technique as for reds: in other words, extended time on grape skins and in this case two months. No use of oranges or other citrus!