Union Sacre '40 Days' Skin Contact Los Ositos Vineyard Blend 2023*

"40 Days" opens with expressive aromas of dried apricot, citrus peel, white tea and subtle floral notes. The palate is textured yet bright, showing layers of peach, tangerine and lightly spiced herbal character. Gentle tannins from extended skin contact add structure without heaviness, while a vein of acidity keeps the wine fresh and energetic. The finish is clean and lightly savory, offering lingering citrus and tea-like complexity. It’s both an accessible introduction to orange wine and a sophisticated bottle for adventurous drinkers.

Quick Facts

• Vintage: 2023

• Region: Paso Robles (Estrella District), California

• Vineyard: Los Ositos Vineyard

• Producer: Union Sacré

• Style: Skin-contact white / “orange” wine

• Varietals: Typically Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris (blend varies year to year)

• Skin Contact: ~40 days

• Fermentation: Native yeast

• Aging: Neutral oak & stainless steel

• Alcohol: ~12–13%

• Farming: Sustainable vineyard practices

Tasting Profile

• Aroma: Dried apricot, orange peel, white tea, floral notes

• Palate: Peach, tangerine, herbal spice, light tannins, vibrant acidity

• Finish: Clean, lightly savory, citrus-driven with tea-like texture

Why We Love It at Petit Philippe

We love how “40 Days” captures the energy and beauty of skin-contact wine without tipping into rustic territory. It’s aromatic, structured and extremely food-versatile—perfect for holiday tables where rich, spiced and herb-driven dishes abound. It’s a conversation piece that’s also incredibly easy to enjoy.

Winemaking

Union Sacré crafts this wine using fruit from Los Ositos Vineyard in the Paso Robles Estrella District—an inland site known for warm days, cool nights and gravelly loam soils that preserve acidity. Hand-harvested grapes undergo an extended maceration of around 40 days, allowing color, phenolics and texture to develop naturally. Fermentation is spontaneous with native yeast, and the wine ages in a combination of neutral oak and stainless steel to maintain purity. Winemakers Xavier Arnaudin and Philip Muzzy aim for minimal intervention, highlighting fruit expression and structure with clarity and finesse.

Serving & Pairing

Serve slightly cool at 50–54°F.
Seasonal pairing suggestions:

• Roast turkey with herb butter

• Butternut squash soup

• Spiced pumpkin dishes

• Cranberry-glazed chicken or pork

• Holiday cheese boards (especially alpine cheeses)

• Roasted root vegetables or Moroccan-inspired dishes

Its gentle tannins and spice-friendly profile make it ideal for festive menus.

Drinking Window

2024–2028. Fresh and vibrant now, with the ability to develop deeper savory notes over the next few years.

Estate Overview

Union Sacré is a collaboration between French winemaker Xavier Arnaudin and American designer Philip Muzzy, based on a shared love for expressive, European-inspired California wines. Known for their focus on Alsatian varieties and nuanced, small-lot production, the winery produces character-rich wines that highlight purity, texture and balance. “40 Days” showcases their modern approach to skin-contact winemaking—thoughtful, precise and beautifully drinkable.