Orange Wine

A Trendy Yet Ancient Wine Style

To make orange wine, winemakers allow pressed white grape juice to macerate with the grape skins and seeds for extended periods, either before, during, or after fermentation. The juice absorbs colour, texture, and aroma compounds from the skins and seeds, a process similar to how red wine is made. While this was once a common practice for white wines as well, modern white wines are typically made without extended skin contact to achieve a lighter, cleaner result.

Historically, all white wines were darker than today’s versions. Orange winemaking dates back thousands of years, though the result was likely considered “white wine” at the time.

Modern light-coloured white wines require techniques to protect the grape must from oxidation, often with the help of stainless-steel vats. However, modern orange wine producers embrace some oxidation, creating wines with complex flavours quite unlike contemporary white wines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is orange wine?

Orange wine, also known as skin-contact wine, is a style of white wine made by fermenting white grapes with their skins and seeds. This process gives the wine a distinct amber or orange hue.

Does orange wine contain oranges?

No, orange wine doesn’t contain any oranges. The term “orange” refers to the colour, achieved by allowing the grape skins and seeds of white grapes to remain in contact with the juice for an extended period. This technique, more commonly used in red winemaking, imparts orange wine’s unique colour, flavour, and tannins.

What does orange wine taste like?

Orange wines often have bold, complex flavours, ranging from sour or tangy notes to earthy or nutty tones because of moderate oxidation. The taste varies depending on the grape variety, region, and winemaking techniques used.

Is orange wine sweet?

Most orange wines are dry, though style and sweetness levels can vary. The extended skin contact generally results in more intense, sometimes slightly bitter flavours rather than sweetness.

How should I serve orange wine?

Orange wine is best served chilled, like white or rosé wines, ideally in a white wine glass.

What types of food pair well with orange wine?

Orange wine pairs well with hearty foods like curries, roasted vegetables, and charcuterie, those too bold for white wine but not bold enough for red. Orange wine's tannic structure and complex flavours make it more robust than regular white wine, but not as heavy as red wine.

Is orange wine a recent trend?

Although orange wine has gained popularity recently, the technique is ancient, dating back thousands of years to winemaking traditions in Georgia, the birthplace of grapevines. Today’s interest in orange wine reflects a recent appreciation for traditional and natural winemaking methods.

Wines to Try

Orange Cattin Pinot Gris

This medium-bodied Alsatian Pinot Gris from Joseph Cattin is texturally complex and spicy. Made with hand-picked grapes and no added sulphites, it showcases aromas ripe pitted fruit and Oriental spices over a structured palate. Enjoy with roasted birds and curries.

Domaine Coste Rousse Thalia Orange

A fragrant blend of Viognier and Vermentino, this wine is made with hand-picked grapes, bottled un-fined and unfiltered, with no added sulphites. It offers a medium-bodied experience with peach and spice aromas over a structured palate. An excellent companion for spicy dishes, grilled shellfish, and richly seasoned meals.