Monte Rio Cellars, Vermentino ’The Bench’ Skin-Contact 2023

 At Monte Rio, Pax Mahle and sommelier-turned-winemaker Patrick Cappiello make a seriously diverse range of natural wines in the Lodi region of California. Sangiovese, petite sirah, colombard, carignan - they make them all. Their vermentino-based orange wine may be our pick of the lot. Despite spending 30 days on the skins, it’s balanced and full of energy, with citrus and herbal notes keeping it light on its feet.

Tastes like: Apricot, sage, salted almonds.

How to drink: Chilled with curry, falafel, or chicken paella.