5th Sep 2024
Curious about orange wine? Your questions answered
Curious about orange wine? This interesting and unique style of wine is packed with character and flavour, thanks to a winemaking process that sets it apart from typical whites. Let’s dive in and explore what makes orange wine such an intriguing and distinctive choice!
1. What is orange wine?
Orange wine, also known as skin-contact wine, is white wine with a twist! Unlike typical white wines, where the juice is separated from the grape skins right away, orange wine is made by letting the juice ‘hang out’ with the skins and seeds—just like red wine. This gives the wine more flavour and character. Think of it as a white wine with a bit more attitude!
2. How does it get its colour
The vibrant orange hue comes from that extended skin contact. Depending on the winemaker’s style, the juice might stay with the skins for just a few hours or even several months. This process pulls out colour, tannins, and other goodies from the skins, giving orange wine its signature amber glow.
3. How does orange wine taste?
There’s a whole spectrum of flavours! You might pick up on nutty notes, dried orange peel, and a hint of bitterness in some, while others are bursting with ripe stone fruits, tropical vibes, and a touch of honeyed floral sweetness. It’s all about the grape variety and how it’s made, so every bottle is a new adventure.
As an example, check out the diverse flavours of some of our orange wines here
4. What foods pair well with orange wine?
Orange wine, with its spectrum of flavours and refreshing acidity, makes it a great match for cheeses, charcuterie and even dishes with a bit of spice. It’s also a great wine on its own before dinner.
5. Is orange wine natural or organic?
A lot of orange wines are made with natural and organic methods—minimal intervention, just letting the grapes do their thing. But not all orange wines fall into this category.
6. Is orange wine new?
Not at all. Orange wine has been around for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient Georgia. While it’s enjoying a resurgence in popularity today, it’s far from a new trend. We love that modern winemakers are embracing this ancient technique, bringing even more diversity to the wine world.
7. How should I serve orange wine?
Keep it cool, but not too cold. Orange wine shines when served slightly chilled, similar to white wine. This temperature helps all those complex flavours come through, making each sip even more enjoyable
Orange wine is a great way to mix things up and discover new flavours. Grab a bottle, pair it with some salty chips, cheese and prosciutto, and see where it takes you!