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Buy OnlineA few years again, orange wines were all the rage with the 'cool kids' and the market was awash with producers trying to get in on the action. The result was a plethora of sub-par (faulty) wines hitting the market and many consumers put off by the style.
We can happily say that those days are behind us, and the producers making skin fermented whites (orange wine) have improved their game considerably. There are now some excellent wines available…
This very tasty example is one the best we've come across and we encourage our customers to branch out and give it a try.
Marathon Downs winemaker Jess Barnes took Sauvingon Blanc from her family "Racecourse Block" vineyard as well as Riesling, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from her neighbours and skin-fermented it for 17 days before aging in in old barrels. It's soft, textural, fruit-driven and savoury. It's a delight!
Winery notes (2024 Vintage)
"4 Varieties – Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir. Hand Picked, co-fermented on skins for 17 days, basket pressed. Tropical Punch Raro, Juniper, Golden Peach Skin.
Marathon Downs has been in our family for over 120 years. We started as share croppers, before receiving the farm in the ballot. We farm sheep, beef and arable crops. Producing wine, is a stamp of the fourth generation.
We make small batch, minimal intervention wines from the Awatere Valley, Marlborough. Our grapes are all family farmed. Our goal is make honest wines that express the rawness of the Awatere Valley and bring people together."
