What is Orange wine?

Exploring Orange Wine: The Ancient Yet Modern Wine Trend

If you’ve been exploring the world of wine recently, you may have come across something a little different: Orange wine.

Despite the name, it’s not a wine made from oranges, but rather a white wine made with extended skin contact, a process typically reserved for red wines.

Orange wine is experiencing a renaissance today, with many wine lovers drawn to its unique character and ancient roots.

What is Orange Wine?

Orange wine is a type of white wine made by fermenting white grape juice with the skins still attached, similar to how red wines are made. This technique, called skin maceration or extended skin contact, results in wines with a deeper color, more complex flavors, and a distinctive texture.

The longer the skins remain in contact with the juice, the more pronounced these characteristics become.

While orange wines are technically white wines, their production process and final product share more similarities with red wines than conventional whites. This gives them their characteristic amber or deep orange hue, hence the name.

The History of Orange Wine

Orange wine isn’t a modern invention—its roots stretch back thousands of years.

This style of winemaking can be traced back to ancient Georgia (the country), where winemaking dates back over 8,000 years.

In Georgia, winemakers have been using qvevri—large clay vessels buried underground for fermentation and aging—for centuries. The technique of fermenting white grapes with their skins has been preserved in Georgian winemaking traditions for millennia.

While orange wine saw its peak in ancient and medieval times, it largely fell out of favor in the 19th and 20th centuries as winemaking techniques modernized. However, in recent years, orange wine has made a comeback, embraced by natural wine producers and wine enthusiasts seeking something more adventurous and authentic.

Production of Orange Wine

Orange wine production follows a relatively straightforward process, but it’s the skin contact that truly defines the style. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how orange wine is made:

1. Harvesting Grapes

The process begins with white grapes, typically varieties that have thicker skins, such as Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, or Muscat. The choice of grape variety can influence the flavor profile and texture of the finished wine.

2. Crushing and Fermentation

Once the grapes are harvested, they are crushed (sometimes lightly to avoid damaging the seeds) and placed into fermentation vessels. Unlike traditional white wines, where the skins are separated from the juice immediately, orange wine undergoes skin contact for an extended period.

This skin contact can last anywhere from several days to several months, depending on the winemaker’s desired style. The longer the skin contact, the more tannins, phenolics, and color compounds are extracted, resulting in a deeper, richer wine.

3. Fermentation Process

The wine is typically fermented with wild yeasts, which can add complexity and uniqueness to the flavor. During fermentation, the skins, seeds, and pulp remain in the liquid, imparting color, flavor, and texture to the wine. The fermentation process often occurs in open-top containers, amphorae, or even the traditional qvevri for those adhering to ancient methods.

4. Pressing and Aging

Once fermentation is complete, the wine is pressed to separate the solid matter from the liquid. The wine is then aged, often in neutral vessels such as stainless steel, clay, or wooden barrels, to allow the wine to integrate and develop further complexity. Some winemakers may age their orange wines for a year or more, further enhancing the depth of flavors.

5. Bottling

After aging, the wine is typically bottled without fining or filtration, which means it may appear slightly cloudy and may develop sediment over time. This natural, unpolished approach is a hallmark of many natural winemakers.

Flavor Profile of Orange Wine

Orange wine’s flavor profile is one of the most distinctive aspects of the style. Due to the skin contact, these wines are generally full-bodied, rich, and textured with a deep, often complex profile. Here are some common tasting notes you might encounter when sipping an orange wine:

• Color: Orange wines range from deep amber and gold to rich copper tones, thanks to the extended skin contact. The color can be quite striking, especially when compared to typical white wines.

  
  

• Aromas: Expect aromas that are more complex and earthy than those of traditional whites. You may find dried fruit notes, such as apricots or raisins, along with floral, herbaceous, and sometimes spicy aromas, reminiscent of tea, citrus zest, or honeycomb.

  
  

• Taste: On the palate, orange wines tend to be bold, with noticeable tannins and structure. These wines often have a tangy, slightly bitter finish (a characteristic of the skin contact) that balances their richer texture. Flavor notes can include stone fruits (peaches, apricots), herbal undertones (thyme, rosemary), spice (cinnamon, clove), and oxidative qualities that give them a bit of a sherry-like character.

  
  

• Mouthfeel: The texture of an orange wine is one of its standout qualities. Due to the tannins and phenolics extracted from the skins, these wines often have a slight astringency, which makes them feel fuller-bodied and more complex than most whites. The natural acidity is also often higher, offering a refreshing balance to the richness.

  
  

Top Orange Wine-Producing Countries

Though orange wine has its origins in Georgia, today, the style is produced in several countries across the globe, especially within the context of natural wine movements. Below are some of the key regions where orange wines are being made:

1. Georgia (the birthplace of orange wine)

Georgia is considered the cradle of orange wine, and it’s still the place to go for traditional qvevri-aged orange wines. In Georgia’s fertile Kakheti region, winemakers use ancient techniques that have been passed down through generations. Wines made in qvevris are often rich, earthy, and deep, with a distinctive texture and complexity.

2. Italy

Italy, particularly in regions like Friuli Venezia Giulia, Tuscany, and Sicily, has become a hub for modern orange wine production. Italian natural wine producers often experiment with skin contact techniques, creating wines that reflect the region’s terroir. Wines from Friuli are particularly known for their delicate yet vibrant flavors.

3. Slovenia

Slovenia, which borders Italy and is located near the birthplace of orange wine in Georgia, has also embraced skin contact wines. The Vipava Valley and Primorska are two regions where exceptional orange wines are produced. Slovenian winemakers use both modern and traditional techniques to create wines with intense aromas and long aging potential.

4. France

In France, orange wines are gaining traction, particularly in regions like Languedoc, Provence, and Alsace. French natural wine producers often work with Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Roussanne to create wines with a balance of freshness, structure, and complexity.

5. United States

While still a relatively niche market, natural wine producers in California, Oregon, and New York are beginning to produce exciting orange wines. In California, the Sonoma Coast and Santa Barbara are regions where winemakers experiment with skin contact techniques, bringing a California twist to this ancient style.

6. Australia and New Zealand

Australia, particularly in regions like Macedon Ranges and Adelaide Hills, has seen a growing interest in natural wine, including orange wines. New Zealand’s Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay are also emerging as regions making quality orange wines with high acidity and vibrant fruit profiles.

Is Orange Wine Right for You?

Orange wine offers an adventurous and unique experience for wine lovers who are ready to explore something beyond the conventional. With its deep colors, complex flavors, and rich textures, it stands out as a distinctive and often unexpected wine style. Whether you’re drawn to its ancient history, natural production methods, or bold flavors, orange wine is a must-try for anyone interested in the future of wine.