Discover Orange Wine: The Ancient Wine Making a Modern Comeback

Ever spotted a mysteriously amber-colored wine on social media or at your local wine shop and wondered what exactly you’re looking at?

Welcome to the fascinating world of orange wine.

Despite what the name might suggest, we’re not talking about wine made from oranges or a fancy new take on rosé. Let me introduce you to one of the wine world’s most intriguing styles.

What Makes Orange Wine Special?

Here’s the fun part: orange wine is essentially white wine made like a red wine.

Imagine taking white wine grapes and treating them to an extended spa treatment in their own skins and seeds.

This prolonged contact during fermentation creates that beautiful amber color and develops fascinating flavors you won’t find in your typical white wine.

A Journey Through Time

Would you believe this “trendy” wine style is actually thousands of years old?

The story begins in Georgia (the country, not where peaches come from!) and Eastern Europe, where ancient winemakers discovered something remarkable.

By letting white grapes ferment with their skins, they created wines that could stand the test of time.

Today’s winemakers are rediscovering these age-old techniques, bringing this traditional method back to life.

The Grapes Behind the Magic

Orange wine is like a playground for winemakers – they can use almost any white grape variety they want.

While you might find some made from familiar friends like Pinot Gris (known as “Ramato” in Italy), Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay, you’ll also discover exciting varieties like Ribolla Gialla, Rkatsiteli, and Malvasia.

Each grape brings its own personality to the party.

What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?

Get ready for a flavor adventure. Orange wines are known for their complexity, offering everything from dried apricots and honey to nuts and tea-like qualities.

Think of them as having the refreshing aspects of a white wine combined with some of the structure you’d find in a red. You might taste:

• Sweet notes of dried fruits and honey
• Earthy elements like nuts and minerals
• Herbal tea characteristics
• A pleasant tannic bite (like in red wine)
• Sometimes even a funky, complex character that wine enthusiasts love

How’s It Different From Other Wines?

Comparing orange wine to its cousins is fascinating. While white wines are typically bright and crisp, and rosés bring those lovely strawberry notes, orange wines offer something entirely different.

They’re more robust than whites, with interesting textures and complexities that can surprise and delight your palate.

Perfect Pairings

One of the best things about orange wine is how wonderfully it pairs with food. Its unique character makes it especially good with:

• Bold, spicy dishes like curry or kimchi
• Rich cheeses and cured meats
• Hearty roasted vegetables
• Mushroom-based dishes

Serving Tips

Want to get the most out of your orange wine experience? Serve it slightly chilled, but not as cold as you would a white wine.

Using a wider-bowled glass, similar to what you’d use for red wine, helps release all those complex aromas.

Common Misconceptions

Let’s clear up a few things about orange wine. First, as we mentioned, it’s not made from oranges!

Also, while some orange wines can be “funky,” not all of them are. Each bottle is unique, ranging from approachable to adventurous.

Many people also confuse orange wine with natural wine. While there’s some overlap in these communities, they’re not the same thing.

Orange wine is about the production method, while natural wine focuses on minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process.

Ready to Try Some Orange Wine?

If you’re excited to explore this ancient-yet-modern wine style, here are some excellent bottles to start with:

• Channing Daughters Ramato Pinot Grigio from the USA offers a gentle introduction to the style
• Orgo Rkatsiteli from Georgia gives you a taste of orange wine’s homeland
• Denbies Wine Estate Orange Solaris shows what UK winemakers can do with this style
• Sept Skin-Contact Obeideh from Lebanon brings Middle Eastern flair
• Troupis Route Gris Moschofilero from Greece offers Mediterranean character

Try Orange Wine Today

Orange wine might seem like the new kid on the block, but it’s actually one of the oldest wine styles around. Its renaissance in the modern wine world offers wine lovers a chance to experience something both ancient and innovative.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned wine enthusiast, orange wine provides an exciting opportunity to explore new flavors and connect with wine’s rich history.

Remember, like any wine adventure, the key is to approach it with an open mind and ready palate. You might just discover your new favorite wine style.