Bennett Valley, Sonoma County
$32 (Wine Club Reorder Price: $28)
DRNK Winery was founded by partner and winemaker Ryan Kunde in 2012 with his wife Katie, and her parents Dale and Nancy Dougherty. DRNK represents the family’s initials – Dale, Ryan, Nancy, Katie. DRNK represents the collective joy of working and being together. DRNK hosts tastings and cellars their wines in their own 300-foot long cave atop Laguna Ridge, one of only four wine caves in the Russian River Valley.
Ryan, a fifth-generation winemaker, is guided by a philosophy that blends an understanding of the land and tradition with evolving science and data that allows for precision winemaking. He is passionate about discovering new vineyard sites and specific meso-effects within each vineyard block, and takes great pride in showcasing the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s vineyards.
If you haven’t heard about “orange wines,” (also known as amber wine or skin-contact wine) they are becoming more and more common, perhaps even “trendy” lately. No, they aren’t made from oranges. The name comes from the result of leaving the skins of white wine grapes to ferment with the juice instead of removing them – essentially making white wine in the same manner as red wine. This takes a white wine and leaves it a bit orange in color and with a more complex mouthfeel.
DRNK’s unfiltered Pinot Gris ‘Orange Wine’ saw an average of 60-hour whole-cluster skin contact prior to pressing. The resulting wine is a light-catching coppery-tangerine color, with aromas of orange peel, caramel, and vegemite with a savory, mouthwatering, steely finish. Swirling coastal breezes help this wine retain its refreshing natural acidity and exotic savory flavors.
Orange wines are very food friendly and pair well with lamb and savory dishes, such as chicken and roast pork. Try a hard sheep cheese such as Manchego, or even a salty feta. For you non-meat eaters, we suggest pairing with eggplant or roasted cauliflower. Cheers!
Bacchus & Venus Wines 