Dominio de las Abejas "Naranja" 2023

A glowing amber-orange hue introduces this expressive skin-contact white, with aromas of dried apricot, orange peel, chamomile and fragrant herbs. The palate brings notes of ripe citrus, stone fruit and subtle tea-like earthiness, balanced by refreshing acidity and a gentle grip of tannin. Textural and layered yet bright on its feet, it combines the structure and complexity often associated with red wine with the freshness and elegance of a white.

This blend brings together five white varieties (32% Chardonnay, 22% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Colombard, 19% Marsanne and 7% Viognier) from organically certified estate vineyards in the Valle de Ojos Negros. Planted in 2015 at an elevation of 2,200 feet in a distinctive section of the valley that was once a marsh, the vines grow in a unique environment. The grapes were harvested together and co-fermented with native yeasts for 18 days on their skins at low temperatures to manage tannin extraction. The Colombard was direct-pressed and blended in at the end of fermentation. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration, with only a small addition of sulfur at bottling.

Located in Baja California, Mexico, Dominio de las Abejas is part of a new generation of winemakers exploring the potential of Mexican terroir through thoughtful, low-intervention winemaking. With native-yeast fermentation and minimal intervention, the winery aims to express the relationship between grape, soil and climate, producing distinctive natural wines that emphasize balance, texture, and pure drinkability. Its name, meaning “Domain of the Bees,” reflects a philosophy centered on biodiversity, organic farming and respect for the natural environment. Bees are vital pollinators, and their presence underscores the winery’s holistic and organic approach to viticulture. This philosophy is woven into the estate’s practices, from the vineyards to the cellar, emphasizing balance and respect for nature.