Macabeo

Orange wine – white grapes fermented with skin contact like a red wine – might seem like a modern trend, but it's actually one of the oldest winemaking styles in the world. Parajes del Valle applies this ancient technique to Macabeo (also known as Viura) from the sun-baked region of Jumilla in southeastern Spain. What makes this orange wine particularly appealing is its approachability – it offers the fascinating complexity and textural elements that make skin-contact whites so intriguing, but without the extreme funkiness that can sometimes be off-putting to newcomers. The extended contact with grape skins provides not just the distinctive amber color but also adds tannin, texture, and a broader range of flavors than conventional white wine processing. The result is a wine that pairs with a much wider range of foods than typical whites – everything from rich seafood to roasted poultry and even some lighter red meat dishes. It's the perfect bottle for adventurous wine lovers looking to explore new territory.

This isn't your typical white wine – Parajes del Valle's skin-contact Macabeo is what happens when tradition meets modern winemaking ingenuity. The 'Maceracion' in the name refers to the extended time the juice spends with the grape skins, giving this Spanish beauty a textural richness and complexity that's rarely found in conventional white wines. Hailing from the sun-drenched region of Jumilla, this wine offers a fascinating alternative to more common whites. It's got enough character to intrigue seasoned wine enthusiasts but remains approachable enough for curious newcomers. Perfect for those moments when you think, 'I should probably branch out from my usual Sauvignon Blanc' – and trust us, you definitely should.

Protocolo has built its reputation on delivering incredible value, and their organically grown Blanco continues that tradition beautifully. This blend of native Spanish varieties Airen and Macabeo comes from the sun-drenched plains of La Mancha – the same region that inspired Don Quixote's adventures. The organic farming practices not only benefit the environment but also result in grapes with pure, expressive character. The wine undergoes cool fermentation to preserve its fresh fruit flavors and aromatic qualities. The result is a white that's perfect for everyday drinking – unpretentious, refreshing, and remarkably food-friendly. It's the kind of bottle that overdelivers at its price point, making it ideal for those times when you need a crowd-pleasing white that won't break the bank but still offers genuine character.