If you've been scrolling the wine world algorithm on social media, or you're simply a wine enthusiast, you've probably found yourself asking, "What is orange wine?".
This unique trendy wine, offers a distinct flavor profile and fascinating history that sets it apart from traditional red or white wines. Also, despite its name, orange wine isn't made from actual oranges or a type of rosé.
In short; It's a white wine made using a red wine technique.
The process involves fermenting white wine grapes (such as Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc) with their grape skins and seeds for extended periods, giving the wine its characteristic amber hue and imparting unique flavors and tannins.
The result is a complex, robust wine that bridges the gap between white and red, creating a category all its own. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned wine lover, this guide will answer all your questions surrounding "What is Orange wine?".
Let's dive in!
Where Does Orange Wine Come From?
The origins of orange wine (or Amber wine) can be traced back thousands of years to regions like Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) and parts of Eastern Europe.
Ancient winemakers discovered that fermenting white grapes with their skins and seeds produced a rich, flavorful wine that could withstand the test of time. This traditional method for creating skin contact wine has been revived by modern winemakers who are eager to explore and celebrate these ancient techniques.
Which White Wine Grape is Used to Make Orange Wine?
Orange wine can be made from virtually any white wine grape variety. While Pinot Gris is sometimes used (known as "Ramato" in Italy), many other grape varieties are common in orange wine production, including:
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Ribolla Gialla
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Rkatsiteli
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Gewürztraminer
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Sauvignon Blanc
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Chardonnay
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Trebbiano
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Malvasia
Different regions often use local grape varieties to produce their orange wines, contributing to the diverse range of styles and flavors within this category.
What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?
One of the most exciting aspects of orange wine is its diverse and complex flavor profile. Orange wines can range from fruity and floral to earthy and nutty, offering a unique tasting experience that sets them apart from traditional whites and reds.
Common tasting notes include:
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Dried fruits: apricot, peach, and orange peel
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Nuts: hazelnut and almond
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Honey and beeswax
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Herbs and tea
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Minerality
Orange wines often feature a tannic bitterness typically found in red wines, along with a distinctive acidity. The intensity of these characteristics can vary widely between different wines. Some orange wine tastes are described as "funky," exhibiting unconventional flavors that add to their distinctive character.
The palate can range from light and crisp to rich and full-bodied. You might encounter notes of citrus lemon, ripened fruits, and even a slight oxidative quality reminiscent of sherry in some varieties.
This complexity and diversity make each orange wine a unique experience, offering exciting possibilities for both casual wine drinkers and wine enthusiasts.
Orange Wine vs. White and Rosé Wine: A Taste Comparison
White Wines:
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Generally lighter and more delicate
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Often feature crisp acidity and fresh fruit flavors
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Can range from dry to sweet
Orange Wines:
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More robust and complex than white wine
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Feature tannin, giving a slight astringency not found in white wines
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Often have nuttier, earthier flavors
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Can display notes of dried fruits, tea, and honey
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May have a slight oxidative quality
Rosé Wines:
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Usually light and refreshing
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Typically feature red fruit flavors like strawberry and cherry
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Generally have less complexity than orange wines
While white wines are known for their freshness and rosés for their light fruitiness, orange wines offer a bolder, more textured experience. They combine some of the freshness of white wines with the structure of reds, creating a unique category that bridges the gap between traditional wine styles.
How Alcoholic is Orange Wine?
Most orange wines have an ABV between 11% and 15%, similar to traditional white and red wines. While it's rare, some robust examples might reach up to 17%.
The alcohol content depends on factors such as:
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Grape Variety: Some grapes naturally produce more sugar, leading to higher potential alcohol.
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Climate: Warmer regions often yield grapes with higher sugar content.
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Winemaking Techniques: Techniques like extended skin contact primarily affect tannins and flavor.
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Fermentation Process: The extent to which sugar is converted to alcohol.
Many winemakers aim for balance, often producing wines in the 12-14% ABV range, allowing flavors from skin contact to shine without being overpowered by alcohol.
When enjoying orange wine, always check the label for the specific ABV.
Foods to Pair with Orange Wine
The Orange wine is a food friendly wine that combines best with intense and bold flavors. Think spicy fermented dishes like kimchi, or curry.
A bottle of Orange also goes nicely with;
Cheese and Charcuterie
The complex flavors of orange wine complement the richness of aged cheeses and cured meats.
Spicy Foods
The tannins and acidity in orange wine help to balance out the heat in spicy dishes, making it a perfect companion for cuisines like Indian or Thai.
Hearty Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables, mushrooms, and squash pair wonderfully with the earthy tones of orange wine.
Serving Tips
When serving orange wine, it's best to use a glass with a wider bowl, similar to those used for red wine. This allows the wine to breathe and enhances its complex aromas. Also, don't be afraid to let your orange wine chill in the fridge for a bit before serving.
While it's not as temperature-sensitive as white wine, a slight chill can help accentuate its refreshing qualities.
Potential Health Benefits of Orange Wine
Orange wine's unique production process, involving extended skin contact during fermentation, may result in a different chemical composition compared to traditional white wines. This method can potentially lead to higher levels of certain compounds, including some antioxidants and polyphenols.
However, it's crucial to understand that while some studies have associated these compounds with potential health effects, the presence of these substances doesn't necessarily translate to direct health benefits from consuming orange wine.
The health impacts of alcohol are complex and vary greatly between individuals. No health organizations recommend drinking wine or any alcoholic beverage for health benefits, and any potential positive effects should be weighed against the known risks of alcohol consumption.
Potential health-related aspects of orange wine:
• May contain higher levels of certain antioxidants and polyphenols compared to traditional white wines
• Some compounds present have been associated with anti-inflammatory properties in studies
• Certain polyphenols have been linked to potential cardiovascular effects in research
• Could provide similar antioxidant properties to red wine, due to the skin contact during fermentation
• May offer a different flavor profile that some find more satisfying, potentially leading to more mindful consumption
Remember: These points reflect potential aspects based on the wine's composition, not guaranteed health benefits. Alcohol should always be consumed responsibly and in moderation, if at all.
Common Misconceptions and Comparisons
Misconception: Orange Wine is Made from Oranges
A common misconception is that orange wine is made from oranges. In reality, the name refers to the color, which results from the skin contact during fermentation. Another misconception is that all orange wines are funky or overly tannic, but the category is quite diverse.
Is Orange Wine the Same as Natural Wine?
Orange wine and natural wine are often mistakenly conflated, but they are not synonymous. While there is some overlap, it's important to understand the distinction:
Natural wines are typically defined as wines made with minimal intervention, using organic or biodynamically grown grapes, with little to no added sulfites, sugar, or commercial yeast. The focus is on the winemaking philosophy and process.
Orange wines, on the other hand, are defined by their production method - specifically, the extended skin contact during fermentation. This technique can be applied regardless of whether the winemaking process follows natural or conventional methods.
That said, there is a connection between orange wines and the natural wine movement. Many orange wine producers align with natural winemaking principles, attracted by the traditional and minimalist approach of skin-contact fermentation. This overlap has contributed to the growing popularity of orange wines among natural wine enthusiasts.
However, not all orange wines are natural, and not all natural wines are orange. While orange wines can be produced using organic farming methods and minimal intervention, this isn't a requirement. The key defining factor for orange wine remains the extended skin contact during fermentation, regardless of the overall winemaking philosophy.
Orange Wines Around the World
While Georgia is often considered the birthplace of orange wine, many other regions around the world are now producing it. Countries like Italy, Slovenia, and even the United States have vineyards dedicated to creating high-quality orange wines. This global spread has led to a diverse range of orange wines, each with its unique characteristics influenced by local grape varieties, terroir, and winemaking traditions.
As the popularity of orange wines continues to grow, wine enthusiasts are exploring offerings from various regions.
To help you navigate this exciting category, here's our top 5 Orange Wines to look out for;
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Channing Daughters Ramato Pinot Grigio (USA)
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Orgo Rkatsiteli 2022 (Georgia)
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Denbies Wine Estate Orange Solaris 2022 (UK)
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Sept Skin-Contact Obeideh (Lebanon)
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Troupis Route Gris Moschofilero 2022 (Greece)
Ready to Try Orange Wine?
If you haven't yet ventured into the world of orange wine, now is the perfect time to do so, especially with your Coravin Timeless. Its unique production method, rich history, and complex flavors make it a standout choice for any wine enthusiast looking to expand their palate.