Tarongino: “Orange” Wines in Malaysia
Monica Tindall
When I say “orange” wine, does your mind turn to a funky natural wine, firey-sunset in the glass, that is sometimes drinkable, sometimes not? Well, now you can rethink “orange” because Tarongino brings the citrus wine (that’s right, the fruit, not the raw kind) to Malaysia and … it’s delicious!
Valencia, a coastal city south of Barcelona, Spain, is renowned for its sun-kissed oranges, admired for their sweetness and flavour. But what if you could capture the essence of these oranges in a beverage that’s a bit more adult than just juice? That’s precisely what Tarongino has done by crafting the world’s first wine made entirely from Valencian oranges.
Tarongino: A Family Tradition with a Twist
Tarongino’s story begins with Naranjas Ché, a family-owned company that cultivates oranges and other citrus fruits in Valencia. With five generations of experience, the family started a new venture in 2013: creating a wine that embodies the spirit of their land. This dream led them to collaborate with winemaker Juan Alberto Anaya. Together, they developed a process that transforms the juice of Valencian oranges into a one-of-a-kind wine.
The Art of Orange Winemaking
Tarongino’s winemaking process starts with hand-picked oranges and clementines from the family’s groves. The fruits are carefully selected for their sweetness and low acidity, ensuring the highest-quality juice. They also contain a large amount of minerals, trace elements, and bioflavonoids.
The juice undergoes a natural fermentation process at low temperatures, which preserves its delicate flavours and aromas. Tarongino is made in stainless steel barrels using natural yeast, and fermentation lasts three months. After about two months, the wine reaches an alcohol content of 7%. It is then macerated with orange peels, releasing essential oils and adding a subtle citrusy zest.
The wine is filtered multiple times to ensure a bright and clear appearance before being bottled by hand. For every 100 kilograms of oranges, only 20-25 litres of Tarongino are produced; it is a limited production, indeed.
A Taste of the Mediterranean
Tarongino is semi-sweet with a refreshing, fruity character. It’s amber in the glass with golden highlights, alikened to the Valencian sun. The aroma is enticing with citrus, hints of honey, and faint orange blossoms. It’s smooth in the mouth, with a persistent fruitiness and a subtle touch of orange peel. It is best served chilled, around 5°C, making it a great quaffer or paired with light meals or desserts.
In Spain, both a 100% orange wine and a blend of oranges and Muscat of Alexandria wine are available. At the moment, only the former has made it to Malaysian shores. However, there’s plenty to be excited about with the original, sparkling, blood orange and clementine versions already in our hood.
Tarongino Malaysia
If you’re a wine enthusiast looking for something new and exciting, Tarongino orange wine is a must-try. It offers a unique taste of Valencia’s sunshine, capturing the essence of its renowned oranges in a bottle. Its lower alcohol content fits the trend of drinking less or lower ABV wines, and it’s a perfect mate for a hot afternoon, poolside parties, or light summer meals.
@strinewines on Instagram or www.strine.wine for more info.
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