2019 Folk Machine Jeanne d'Arc Orange Chenin Blanc

Region: Clarksburg AVA < California

Grapes: Chenin Blanc

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Organic farming; old vines on sandy soils; natural fermentation occurred after six days on the skin, and continued for a month; stainless steel fermentation; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal added SO2; 12% ABV

Winemaker: Kenny Likitprakong

The Folk Machine label comes to us from Kenny Likitprakong and falls under the umbrella of his Hobo Wine Company, which also houses his other labels – Banyan, Camp and Ghostwriter. The name Hobo came from his experience traveling the country in his early 20’s, journaling and pursuing the life of an American hobo. He found that this character was something of a forgotten treasure in our country’s landscape and he makes wine to channel this ideal. Not surprisingly, he doesn’t own any vineyards, nor does he want to. All of Kenny’s projects were founded with a theme in mind, and Folk Machine is where he nestles his more esoteric bottlings, all extremely small production. Kenny is young and laid back, but he’s no slouch – the wines are clean, precise and distinctive. As well as super tasty and affordable.

Like this skin-macerated Chenin hailing from the sandy soils of Merritt Island in the Sacramento river delta, near Clarksburg.  Though its most certainly an orange wine, the color is more faded gold, and the nose is subdued.  She's equally regal and restrained on the palate, with pithy citrus, lemon curd, savory thyme and a delicate peach character dancing with light tannins from the extended skin contact.  Softer and prettier than many orange wines, this makes an excellent intro to the style.  Great food wine, try with rich seafood dishes, or anything with a cream sauce.