Azienda Cortese ‘Orange-utan’ Orange Wine, 2024, Terre Siciliane (IGP)

One-Liner
Textural Sicilian orange wine - citrus peel, tea-like grip and a fresh, savoury edge.

Tasting Note
Deep golden amber in the glass. The nose is distinctive and aromatic, showing orange peel, dried apricot and a hint of herbs. On the palate it’s dry and structured, with gentle tannins giving a light grip alongside bright acidity. Flavours of citrus, stone fruit and a subtle tea-like note carry through to a long, savoury finish. Unusual, characterful and surprisingly food-friendly.

Country: Italy
Region: Sicily IGP
Sub-Region: n/a
Grape(s): 80% Inzolia, 20% Zibibbo 
ABV: 12.5%
Friendly: Vegan, Vegetarian, Organic

Awards & Critics' Scores
91 points – Falstaff
90 points – WeinWirtschaft

The Story
Orange-utan sits in Cortese’s Nostru range and is very much the estate’s playful, modern take on Sicilian orange wine. The winery presents it as a Terre Siciliane bianco made from Inzolia and Zibibbo, with the label and name leaning into a more fun, characterful side of the range. Even so, the wine itself is grounded in the local story – native grapes, organic production and a style that balances sunshine, texture and freshness rather than trying to be overly funky or hard work.

Perfect With… (click me for the recipe)
Meat/Fish: Spiced fish with fennel, orange and herbs

Vegetarian: Roast cauliflower with tahini, lemon and toasted cumin

Vegan: Carrot, chickpea and preserved lemon traybake with herbs