Biokult Naken Orange Wine

Curious about Biokult Naken? It’s one of Austria’s most approachable introductions to orange wine — a skin-contact white from the Burgenland made mostly from Pinot Gris with a dash of aromatic Muskateller. The grapes are crushed and left to ferment on their skins like a red, and that’s where the character comes from: a glowing amber hue, a gentle grip of tannin and a depth of flavour you’ll never find in a conventional white.

Expect a nose of clementine, fresh orange peel and honeysuckle, then a bone-dry palate that tingles with citrus pith, a whisper of white pepper and a creamy, medium-bodied texture. “Naken” means naked, and the name fits — this is wine stripped back to its essentials, fermented with wild native yeasts from certified organic, biodynamically farmed fruit, with as little intervention as possible.

Serve it lightly chilled and let it open up. It’s a natural partner for anything with a bit of spice — Thai curries, Moroccan tagines, charcuterie — and it stands up beautifully to pungent washed-rind cheeses. Pour it for the friend who thinks they’ve tried every wine going.