The Puppet
The Puppet <Skin Contact Wine>
GRAPES: 44.5% Grenache Blanc, 25% Pinot Gris, 14% Grenache Gris, 9.5% Orange Muscat, and 7% Chenin Blanc
VINTAGE: 2023
REGION: Central Coast, California
ALCOHOL PERCENTAGE: 11.%
PRICE: $7.99
The clocks have “sprung” forward, the temperatures are creeping upwards, and the flowers are in bloom. It’s safe to say that spring has landed in Nashville. Admittedly, I love this time of year. There’s nothing better than saying goodbye to your winter wardrobe, driving around with your sunroof open, listening to your favorite music, and enjoying a glass of wine on the patio. Even though I gravitate towards lighter wine in the warmer months, I’ll still feature a few red bottles occasionally.
While this week’s bottle made it to some markets in 2023, this is the first time it’s hit the shelves in Nashville. When I spotted The Puppet, I couldn’t wheel my cart over to the shelf fast enough. This bottle received much attention on social media last year, so I was thrilled to get my hands on a bottle. After rolling around the wine aisle for a moment, I discovered that there’s not only a skin contact version, but they also make a chillable red wine. Don’t worry- I got my hands on the last bottle and will be doing a review soon!
For those unfamiliar with skin-contact wine, it is white wine fermented like red wine. This bottle was fermented on grape skins for twelve days, allowing it to develop a rich orange color and incredible aromatics. This type of aging process can result in wines with varying colors and flavor profiles.
Over the last few years, orange wine has gained quite the following, similar to what rosé did many years ago. I continue to see more restauranteurs and wine directors including it on their list of offerings. One piece of advice: if you find a skin-contact wine offered by the glass, as many restaurants do, I encourage you to try it. Many places will let you sample it before ordering, and it’s incredible to see how different, fun, and funky these wines can truly be.
Let’s jump into the tasting details, shall we?
Tasting Notes:
Rich Orange Hue
Notes of peach, apricot, and mango with an ever-so-subtle hint of honey
Dry with light-medium acidity.
Medium to full body
Verdict:
When I tell you I had one glass of this wine and headed to the store the very next day to purchase six bottles, I am not exaggerating. I know it’s premature to say, but if this stays in stock, it could easily be the wine of the summer. It’s light, refreshing, drinkable, and, dare I say, a patio pounder! If you decide to venture into the world of orange wine and try the Puppet, let me know what you think!
Until Next Time!