Oveja Naranja 2023: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Complex Orange Wine

Oveja Naranja 2023 is a certified organic Spanish orange wine made from white grapes fermented on skins. A blend of Gewürztraminer and Muscat, it brings dried apricot, quince, orange peel, jasmine, black tea and gentle spice, with a dry, savoury palate and balanced tea-like grip. Aromatic but not sweet, this is a textural, food-loving orange wine with plenty of personality.

Highlights

• Certified organic
• Vegan friendly
• White grapes fermented on skins
• Made from Gewürztraminer and Muscat
• Limited release of 11,250 bottles
• Crafted by Bodegas y Viñedos Fontana in Spain
• 13.5% ABV

Tasting Notes

The nose is lifted and aromatic, with dried apricot, quince, orange peel, jasmine, chamomile and a savoury black tea note. The palate is dry and medium-bodied, with citrus peel, apricot skin, gentle spice and a lightly tannic grip from skin contact. Gewürztraminer and Muscat bring perfume and exotic fruit, while the extended maceration pulls the wine into a more savoury, tea-like direction.

Winemaking

Oveja Naranja is made as an orange wine, meaning white grapes are fermented on their skins rather than pressed off straight away like a conventional white wine. The extended skin contact builds amber colour, aromatic depth, black-tea tannin and a firmer, more gastronomic texture. The wine is bottled as a limited release and carries certified organic and vegan credentials.

Vineyard & Vintage

This Spanish orange wine is made by Bodegas y Viñedos Fontana in Fuente de Pedro Naharro, Cuenca. The 2023 vintage is made from organically grown Gewürztraminer and Muscat, two naturally aromatic white varieties that respond beautifully to skin contact. The result is a dry, expressive wine with floral lift, apricot-like fruit, citrus peel, spice and savoury grip.

Why We Love It

This is orange wine with perfume, structure and proper dinner-table energy. The Muscat and Gewürztraminer aromatics are generous, but the skin contact adds grip and savoury black-tea detail, so the wine stays dry and balanced. It is a great choice for customers who want something more adventurous than a standard white, without diving into anything too wild or funky.

Food Pairing

Oveja Naranja 2023 suits food with spice, salt, texture and aromatic herbs. Its tannin and acidity work well with richer dishes, while the apricot, orange peel and floral notes are lovely with North African, Middle Eastern, Asian and Mediterranean flavours.

Try matching this wine with →

• Moroccan chicken with preserved lemon and olives — Find a Recipe
• Roasted cauliflower with tahini, herbs and pomegranate — Find a Recipe
• Pork belly with fennel and orange — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

For shared plates, curious palates and dinners where the wine should bring a little intrigue. Serve it with spiced food, salty snacks or roast vegetables and let the aromatics and tannins open slowly in the glass.

Cellaring

Drink now to 2028. The wine has enough tannin, acidity and skin-contact structure to hold for a few years, but it is most appealing while the apricot, orange peel, jasmine and tea notes are still vivid. Store cool and dark.

Producer

Bodegas y Viñedos Fontana is based in Fuente de Pedro Naharro in Cuenca, Spain. The estate is known for modern Spanish wines that balance regional character with accessible, contemporary styling. Oveja Naranja shows the more adventurous side of the range, using organically grown aromatic white grapes and extended skin contact to create a certified organic, vegan orange wine with texture, perfume and savoury structure. The label’s sheep imagery and limited-bottle release give the wine a playful edge, but the wine itself is serious enough for food and thoughtful drinking.

Related Wines To Try →

For other complex, textural and skin-contact whites, try these:

• Biodynamic Barossa skin-contact Viognier with dried apricot, marmalade, jasmine and natural tannin — Kalleske Plenarius Viognier
• Golden, floral skin-contact blend with red apple, citrus, peach and chalky tannin — Das Juice Maceration
• Organic skin-contact field blend with citrus peel, chamomile and savoury grip — Battle of Bosworth Dissident Skin Contact Field Blend

FAQ

What does Oveja Naranja 2023 taste like?

It tastes like dried apricot, quince, orange peel, jasmine, black tea, chamomile and gentle spice. The palate is dry and textural, with citrus peel, apricot skin and tea-like tannins from skin contact. It is aromatic, savoury and more structured than a typical white wine.

Is Oveja Naranja sweet or dry?

This is a dry wine. Gewürztraminer and Muscat bring perfume and ripe fruit character, but the finish is savoury rather than sweet. The skin-contact grip and acidity keep the palate clean and food-friendly.

Is this wine an orange wine?

Yes, Oveja Naranja is an orange wine. It is made from white grapes fermented on skins, which gives the wine extra colour, texture, aroma and tannin. The style sits between white wine and light red wine in terms of structure.

What grapes are used in Oveja Naranja?

Oveja Naranja is made from Gewürztraminer and Muscat. Both varieties are naturally aromatic, bringing floral notes, spice, citrus peel and stone fruit. Skin contact adds black tea, savoury grip and a more complex finish.

How should I serve this wine?

Serve lightly chilled at around 10–12°C in a white wine or universal glass. Avoid serving it icy cold, as the aromatics and tea-like tannins will be less expressive. Let it warm slightly in the glass for more apricot, jasmine and spice.

Should I decant Oveja Naranja?

A full decant is not essential, but 10–15 minutes of air will help the aromatics open. This wine can become more layered as it sits in the glass. A gentle swirl is enough for most occasions.

Does this wine contain preservatives or sulphites?

This wine contains sulphites. It is not a no-added-preservative wine. For wines made without added preservative sulphites, explore our No Added Preservative wine range.

Is Oveja Naranja vegan friendly?

Yes, this wine is vegan friendly. It is also certified organic, making it a strong choice for customers looking for a more conscious orange wine. The texture comes from skin contact rather than animal-derived fining agents.

What food pairs best with this orange wine?

It is excellent with Moroccan chicken, roast cauliflower, pork belly, grilled halloumi, hard cheeses, mezze, spiced pumpkin, orange and fennel salad, and charcuterie. The tannins handle richer food, while the citrus peel and floral notes work beautifully with spice and herbs. For a vegetarian match, try roasted cauliflower with tahini and pomegranate.

Who will love this wine?

It will suit drinkers who enjoy orange wine, aromatic whites, natural-leaning styles and savoury food wines. If you like Gewürztraminer or Muscat but prefer dry, textural wines over sweet styles, this is a great fit. It is also a lovely option for people who usually enjoy dry rosé or light reds with a slight chill.

Is this wine keto friendly?

Yes, this is a dry wine and a better fit for keto-conscious drinkers than sweet, off-dry or dessert wines. The aromatic fruit character comes from the grapes, not obvious sweetness. Suitability still depends on individual dietary goals and serving size.

(SKU: FO_OVE_CV)