Let’s talk about the exciting world of skin contact white wine
Have you begun to explore the exciting world of orange wines yet?
If not, you are not alone. While now made all over the world, orange wines remain a largely undiscovered and widely misunderstood type of wine. That said, with orange wine rapidly growing in popularity, most wine list now include orange wine as well. And believe it or not, I recently saw a few bottles displayed on a shelve at my local supermarket.
A likely reason for the increasing popularity could be rooted in the perception orange wine is part of the natural, organic, and sustainable wine categories. Though in reality, not all orange wines will fit that bill.
But let’s start at the beginning.
What exactly is orange wine, how does it taste, at what temperature should it be consumed, what type of food pairs best with orange wine, and what are the best brands to try?
A Quick Introduction To Orange Wine
To perhaps state the obvious: Orange wine has nothing to do with oranges. Instead, it is a wine made from white grape varieties, which is produced like red wine.
The name refers to the colour of the wine, which usually ranges from light orange to amber. As such, orange wine – sometimes also called amber wine, skin-contact wine, or ramato which means auburn in Italian – represents a fourth colour in wine, alongside red, white, and rosé.
Orange wine has gathered a rapidly growing fan base since it burst onto the scene several years ago, seemingly out of nowhere. Which isn’t the case at all. Orange wine is made following ancient techniques which can be traced back to the beginning of winemaking some 8,000 years ago in Georgia (the country in Europe, not the U.S. state).
The ancient techniques used to make wine in Georgia, called the qvevri (‘kev-ree’) method is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The qvevri, an egg-shape type of amphorae buried into the earth, was used to ferment, age, and store wine. In the qvevri method, which is still used today in Georgia, fermentation takes place without additives, including (or better excluding) yeast as well. During the fermentation process, the wine is exposed to oxygen, and this turns the aromas of flowers and fresh fruits into those of honey and bruised apple. Eventually, the wine will take on a slightly nutty taste.
While the ancient method making wine in amphorae has recently made a return, with select winemakers around the world exploring the method, today most orange wines are made following modern techniques.
So, let me repeat: Orange wines are essentially white wines made like red wine. This means, they are made from white grape varieties but instead of carefully squeezing and quickly removing the skins and seeds (which is the case when making white wine), skins and seeds are left in contact with the grape juice for a certain time. This can be as short as a few hours or as long as a couple of months.
It is the skin contact that turns the grape juice into shades of orange, with the colour getting more intense the longer the juice remains in contact with the skins.
That said, temperature also plays an important role in the final colour of the wine. In cool climate wine regions, less colour will be extracted from the skins, and the final wine will take on a paler orange colouring. Meanwhile, orange wines from warm climate wine regions will typically have a more intense orange colouring.
Finally, skin contact it is not only adding colour to orange wines. It also adds complexity, body, and tannins.
Good to know: While the term orange wine is widely established for skin-contact white wines, no legal definition exists. This means, unlike other wines which must be made according to strict appellation rules, how orange wines are made is largely left to the decision of the winemaker. Likewise, the final product might be sold as orange wine, but it could also be labelled as amber wine, ramato (in Italy), or skin contact wine.
What Are The Grape Varieties Used For Orange Wine
Orange wine is made from white grape varieties, and there are no legal restrictions regarding the varieties allowed. Technically, orange wine can be made from any white grape variety.
Traditionally however, certain varieties are preferred over others.
Pinot Grigio is one of the most used white grape varieties in orange wine. Orange wines made from Pinot Grigio usually taste slightly sweet and will display a lively, red-orange colour.
Ribolla Gialla, a white grape originating from northeastern Italy and Slovenia is another major grape used for orange wines. Orange wine from Ribolla Gialla will be usually bold and dry, with aromas of braised fruit and honey.
Other popular white grape varieties used to make orange wine include Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling.
How Does Orange Wine Taste
Complex and full-bodied with a tannin-like texture and a unique flavour profile, orange wines offer the depth of red wines, with the refreshing attributes of white.
However, as said before, orange wine is now made around the world, and no legal rules how orange wines must be made exist. Therefore, many distinctive styles of orange wine exist.
Vastly different climate conditions, soil types, different grape varieties, and the diverse wine making techniques employed to make orange wine results in wines that range from light and easy-going to intense, full-bodied wines.
That said, orange wines are usually complex, with great structure and texture. They combine the acidity and freshness of white wines while offering a higher tannin content and depth of flavour. Which makes them ideal for the colder months of the year, as they work well with heartier food.
Most orange wines display intense aromas of sweet tropical fruits, hazelnut, bruised apple, linseed oil, wood varnish, sourdough, juniper, and dried orange zest.
How Should You Drink Orange Wine
Remember, orange wines are skin-contact wines and thus more similar to red wines than white. Which is crucial when it comes to finding the ideal serving temperature.
To get the best tasting experience, treat orange wine like a red wine and serve at slightly below room temperature, somewhere between 12°C to 16°C. Which means, put the wine in the fridge around 20 minutes before pouring it.
Serve the lighter tinted orange wines (those with shorter skin contact) slightly cooler (at around 12°C). The more intensely coloured wines (those with longer skin contact) should be drunk at 16°C or even a bit warmer, up to 18°C.
Serve orange wine in a white wine glass or a Beaujolais glass which is designed specifically for light fruity red wines.
What Food To Pair With Orange Wine
Orange wines are highly versatile, food friendly wines.
They go perfectly with smoked fish, roasted root vegetables, stuffed bell peppers, roasted meat, hearty game meats like wild boar, venison, or duck, spicy Asian dishes, and aged cheese.
10 Orange Wines To Try
If you are new to the world of orange wine, or want to expand your knowledge, look out for some of the brands below to taste.
- Bressan Wines Carat, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
- Azienda Agricola Summer Wolf Ette, Piemonte, Italy
- FIO, Glou Glou Orange Wine, Mosel, Germany
- Brook House Farm Orange Wine, Herfordshire, UK
- Klet Brda Krasno White, Slovenia
- Kobal Sivi Pinot, Slovenia
- Schuchmann Vinoterra Kisi, Georgia
- Mother Rock brutal Chenin Blanc orange wine, Swartland, South Africa
- Good Intensions Wine Company Cantina Blance, Australia
- Tinto Amorio Bheeyo, California, United States
Are you ready to dive into the exiting world of orange wine?
Carrots and Tigers 