You've heard of red, white, and rosé — but what about orange wine? Once a niche curiosity, orange wine has now become a favourite among adventurous drinkers and sommeliers alike. If you're curious about this captivating style, you're in the right place. Let's dive into what makes orange wine special, how it's made, and how best to enjoy it.
What Is Orange Wine?
Despite its name, orange wine isn't made from oranges. It's a style of wine made from white grapes that are fermented with their skins, much like red wine production. This skin contact gives the wine its distinctive amber to deep orange hue, along with a richer texture and bolder flavours than typical white wines.
Think of it as a white wine with a twist: the grape skins and seeds stay in contact with the juice, imparting structure, tannins, and unique flavours. While it may sound new, this is actually one of the oldest winemaking techniques, dating back thousands of years to regions like Georgia.
How Is Orange Wine Made?
The key difference lies in skin contact. With most white wines, the skins are removed immediately after pressing. In orange winemaking, the grape skins stay in the juice for days, weeks, or even months during fermentation. This process:
- Adds tannins (that slight drying sensation you find in red wines)
- Deepens colour and flavour
- Introduces complex notes like dried fruit, spice, nuts, and tea
Traditional orange wines are often made in clay vessels called qvevri, buried underground to maintain a stable temperature. However, modern winemakers might use stainless steel, oak, or concrete to achieve different styles. The winemaking choices can affect everything from texture to flavour profile.
What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?
Expect something entirely different from the crisp Sauvignon Blancs or buttery Chardonnays you might be used to. Orange wines often have:
- Bold, savoury flavours
- Notes of dried apricot, orange peel, nuts, honey, and herbs
- A grippy, tannic texture more common in reds
- A touch of oxidative character, depending on the winemaking style
While some orange wines can be funkier or more robust, others are surprisingly delicate. It’s a broad category with plenty to explore, from the intensely structured to the fresh and floral.
How to Serve and Pair Orange Wine
Orange wine's boldness makes it a fantastic partner for food. It's versatile enough to match with dishes that usually stump traditional whites or reds. Try pairing it with:
- Spicy foods – Indian curries, Korean barbecue, or Szechuan stir-fries
- Rich, earthy dishes – Mushroom risotto, lentil stews, roasted root vegetables
- Fermented or pickled foods – Kimchi, sauerkraut, aged cheeses
- Middle Eastern flavours – Tahini, roasted aubergine, lamb kebabs
Serve it slightly chilled — about 12–14°C is ideal — to balance its structure and bring out the complexity without muting the flavours. And don’t be afraid to decant it! Orange wines often benefit from a bit of air, just like reds.
Is Orange Wine Natural?
Many orange wines are made using low-intervention methods, which often go hand-in-hand with natural, organic, or biodynamic practices. However, not all orange wines are "natural." Always check the producer's notes if you're looking for a minimal-intervention bottle.
Some of the appeal of orange wine is its authenticity: minimal additives, indigenous yeasts, and small-scale production are common. Yet, styles can vary widely — from clean and crisp to wild and funky. It's all part of the adventure.
Great Orange Wines to Try
If you're ready to explore, start with this sommelier-approved pick from our collection:
- Douloufakis Muscat Amphora 2022 – Aromatic and textured, with notes of apricot, orange blossom, and dried herbs. A beautiful introduction to orange wine.
Tips for First-Time Orange Wine Drinkers
New to orange wine? Here’s how to get the best experience:
- Start light – Choose a style with shorter skin contact for a gentler introduction.
- Use a wide glass – More surface area lets those complex aromas open up.
- Be open-minded – Orange wine isn’t about immediate likability; it’s about intrigue and exploration.
Until next time, stay nosey.
