Ampelos “Funky Town” Albariño – Orange, Santa Barbara County 2022

Overview

The Ampelos “Funky Town” Orange Albariño 2022 is a vibrant, natural expression of one of Spain’s most beloved white grapes, reimagined through California’s innovative winemaking lens. Crafted in Santa Barbara County by Ampelos Cellars—a certified organic, biodynamic, and sustainable winery—this orange wine balances authenticity, creativity, and terroir-driven precision.

By leaving the juice on its skins for 14 days, winemakers captured the glowing amber-orange color and layered complexity that defines skin-contact wines. The result is a bold yet refreshing wine that highlights stone fruit, floral nuances, bright citrus, and minerality, framed by lively acidity and a beautifully textured palate.

Winemaking & Style

• Vintage: 2022
• Region: Santa Barbara County, California
• Producer: Ampelos Cellars
• Grape Variety: 100% Albariño
• Alcohol: 13.9%
• Style: Orange / Skin-Contact White Wine
• Certifications: Biodynamic, Organic, and Sustainable
• Method: Native yeast fermentation, 14 days on skins, minimal intervention, no oak distractions

Ampelos follows a hands-off, natural approach, using only native yeasts and avoiding artificial additions. Their focus is on letting the fruit and terroir speak for themselves, making this Albariño a pure reflection of grape and place.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Radiant orange-amber, reminiscent of a glowing sunset.
• Nose: Fresh and expressive aromas of white peach, apricot, and nectarine, layered with citrus zest, floral notes, and hints of herbs.
• Palate: Juicy and refreshing with bright acidity. Flavors of stone fruit, citrus peel, and a touch of dried herbs glide across a rich yet clean texture.
• Texture: Structured and slightly tannic from skin contact, adding depth and complexity without heaviness.
• Finish: Long and zesty, with notes of apricot, orange peel, and a subtle mineral edge.
• This wine is fresh, flavorful, and slightly edgy, offering both the brightness of a crisp white and the structure of a light red.

Food Pairing

The Ampelos “Funky Town” Orange Albariño is an adventurous pairing partner:

• Seafood: Grilled shrimp, scallops, or oysters.
• Mediterranean & Middle Eastern Cuisine: Falafel, hummus platters, spiced lamb skewers.
• Cheese & Charcuterie: Manchego, pecorino, or creamy goat cheese.
• Vegetarian Dishes: Roasted root vegetables, butternut squash soup, lentil stews.
• Fusion Pairings: Sushi, spicy Thai curries, or Korean BBQ.
• Its acidity and texture make it a versatile companion for both light and rich dishes.

Why Choose Ampelos “Funky Town” Orange Albariño?

• A natural, small-batch orange wine crafted in Santa Barbara County.
• Made by Ampelos Cellars, pioneers in biodynamic, organic, and sustainable viticulture.
• Combines the crisp vibrancy of Albariño with the depth of skin-contact winemaking.
• A unique wine that’s perfect for adventurous drinkers and orange wine enthusiasts.
• Ideal for those seeking clean, minimal-intervention wines with authentic character.

Wine Details

• Wine Name: Ampelos “Funky Town” Orange Albariño
• Vintage: 2022
• Producer: Ampelos Cellars
• Region: Santa Barbara County, California
• Variety: Albariño
• Style: Orange (Skin-Contact White)
• Alcohol: 13.9%
• Certifications: Biodynamic, Organic, Sustainable
• Serving Temperature: 10–12°C (50–54°F)