Despite its name, orange wine is not made from oranges. Rather, it is a type of white wine produced using a technique more commonly associated with red wine. What distinguishes orange wine from other white wines is its skin contact during fermentation. This method gives orange wine its signature amber or orange hue and contributes to its complex flavour profile.
Orange wine is often referred to as “skin-contact wine” because of the time the grape skins spend with the juice during fermentation. This process imparts both the colour and texture that set orange wine apart from its white and rosé counterparts.
At Seven Cellars, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of orange wines, each with its unique flavour and story.
How Is Orange Wine Made?
The production of orange wine begins with white wine grapes. However, unlike typical white wine production, where the grape skins are removed before fermentation, the skins in orange wine are left to macerate with the juice for an extended period. Here’s a step-by-step look at how orange wine is made:
1. Harvesting the Grapes
Orange wine is made using white wine grape varieties, such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay. The process starts with the harvesting of these grapes at peak ripeness to ensure the right balance of acidity and sugar.
2. Crushing and Maceration
After the grapes are harvested, they are crushed, and the skins, seeds, and sometimes stems are left in contact with the juice during fermentation. This maceration process is what gives orange wine its rich, amber colour. The skins contain pigments and tannins, which influence both the appearance and taste of the wine.
During this stage, the grape skins are allowed to remain in the fermenting juice for anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the winemaker’s desired outcome. The longer the skin contact, the deeper the colour and the more pronounced the flavour of the wine.
3. Fermentation
Orange wine typically undergoes natural fermentation, where wild yeasts present on the grape skins start the fermentation process. This is a more traditional, less interventionist approach compared to the use of commercial yeasts, which are often added to control the fermentation in modern winemaking.
Natural fermentation often results in a more complex flavour profile, with earthy and sometimes funky notes that contribute to the uniqueness of orange wine.
4. Ageing
Once fermentation is complete, orange wine can be aged in various vessels, such as stainless steel tanks, clay amphorae, or wooden barrels. The choice of ageing vessel can further impact the wine’s flavour, with clay amphorae being commonly used for their ability to allow slow oxidation, which adds depth to the wine’s character.
5. Bottling
After ageing, the wine is bottled and may be left to mature further in the bottle. Orange wine is often bottled unfiltered, which can give it a slightly cloudy appearance and a more robust mouthfeel due to the presence of fine sediments from the skins.
Why Does Orange Wine Taste Unique?
The unique taste of orange wine is a direct result of the winemaking process, specifically the extended contact between the grape skins and the juice. The following factors contribute to its distinct flavour:
1. Tannins
Tannins, typically associated with red wine, are present in orange wine because of the skin contact during fermentation. These tannins add structure and complexity to the wine, giving it a fuller body than most white wines.
The tannic quality of orange wine makes it feel more robust and astringent on the palate, similar to how red wines feel. This characteristic is one reason why orange wine can pair well with a wide variety of foods, including richer, more robust dishes that might overpower a typical white wine.
2. Flavour Intensity
Orange wine has a more intense flavour compared to white wines, largely due to the natural fermentation and the longer skin contact. Common tasting notes include ripe stone fruits such as apricot, dried orange peel, hazelnut, and honey. Earthy and herbal flavours, such as dried herbs and a slight oxidative quality, are also often present.
Because of these flavour complexities, orange wine tends to appeal to adventurous wine drinkers looking for something out of the ordinary.
3. Natural Fermentation
The use of natural fermentation often results in unique, unpredictable flavours, as the wild yeasts create more complex and sometimes unusual aromas. Some orange wines may have a funky, earthy aroma that appeals to those who enjoy natural or minimal-intervention wines.
4. Textural Depth
Thanks to the extended skin contact, orange wine has a distinct texture and mouthfeel. It tends to be more viscous and oily compared to traditional white wines, with a grippy tannin structure that can be surprising for those expecting the lightness of a typical white wine.
5. Oxidation
Orange wine can sometimes have subtle oxidative notes, which contribute to its distinct flavour. This comes from the winemaking process, especially when aged in clay amphorae or wooden barrels that allow a slow, controlled exposure to oxygen. These oxidative characteristics can add nutty, savoury notes, which balance the fruitiness of the wine.
How to Enjoy Orange Wine
Given its unique taste and texture, orange wine pairs well with a variety of dishes. The tannins and intense flavours make it versatile when it comes to food pairing. Here are a few suggestions:
- Rich and Spicy Foods: The bold flavours of orange wine complement spicy cuisines, such as Indian or Middle Eastern dishes.
- Cheeses: Orange wine pairs well with a variety of cheeses, particularly aged or blue cheeses, which can stand up to its intense flavour.
- Roast Meats: The structure of orange wine can hold its own alongside roasted meats like pork, duck, or lamb.
- Vegetarian Dishes: Dishes with earthy flavours, such as roasted root vegetables or lentils, are a great match for the herbal notes in orange wine.
Why Choose Orange Wine?
Orange wine is ideal for those seeking something different from the standard white or red varieties. It offers a rich, textured experience, with flavours that are both complex and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious newcomer, orange wine provides an exciting and unique addition to any wine collection.
By choosing orange wine, you’re also connecting with ancient winemaking traditions, as this method dates back thousands of years to regions like Georgia. Today, it’s enjoyed by modern wine enthusiasts looking for more natural, sustainable options.
Conclusion
Orange wine is a fascinating and increasingly popular choice among wine lovers for its unique production method and complex taste. Made from white wine grapes with extended skin contact, it boasts bold flavours, a rich texture, and a distinctive colour. Whether you’re exploring different wine varieties or looking to expand your palate, orange wine offers an exciting and rewarding experience.
For those eager to try orange wine, Seven Cellars offers a range of options that capture the essence of this distinctive wine. Try a bottle today and discover the allure of orange wine for yourself.
