Austin Winery "Acqua Pazza" Orange Ripasso NV

The Austin Winery's "Acqua Pazza" (Italian for "crazy water") is a striking bright orange hue with golden amber reflections, hinting at extended skin contact and textural depth. On the nose, aromatic and expressive, with dried apricot, tangerine zest and chamomile, layered with hints of almond, tea leaves and warm spice. Vibrant and structured on the palate, offering mandarin peel, ripe peach and quince, balanced by a savory backbone of toasted nuts and saline minerality. Gentle tannins add texture, while bright acidity keeps it fresh, leading to a long, citrus-tinged finish.

Made from select vineyard lots, "Acqua Pazza" is a multi-vintage blend of 25% Viognier from Nogalergo Vineyards, 30% Muskat from Cooked Post Vineyards and 20% Gruner from Kubacak Vineyards, all from the Texas High Plains, plus 15% Albariño and 10% Marsanne from Salt Lick Vineyards in the Hill Country. The wine undergoes extended skin fermentation, enhancing complexity and texture. Neutral vessel aging preserves its freshness while allowing depth to develop.

This wine demonstrates the winemakers' technique, "using the whole buffalo" as they say. The ripasso process involves pitching freshly pressed grape skins onto finished wine, reviving acid, adding texture and a buoyant depth of flavor.

Enjoy now or age for 5-7 years, as it continues to evolve and gain complexity.