Picture this: You're at a wine bar, perusing the menu, when you spot something intriguing—orange wine.

No, it's not made from oranges, and it’s definitely not a mimosa. So what exactly is this amber-hued beverage that's been creating quite a buzz in the wine world?

What is Orange Wine?

Despite its trendy status, orange wine is far from new. In fact, it’s one of the oldest winemaking methods, dating back thousands of years to the Caucasus region—modern-day Georgia, to be precise. Orange wine is essentially white wine made using the same process as red wine. Confused? Let’s break it down.

Traditionally, white wines are made by quickly separating the juice from the grape skins. But with orange wine, the white grape skins and seeds are left to macerate with the juice for days, weeks, or even months. This extended contact is what gives orange wine its distinctive colour, which can range from pale amber to deep orange or even brown.

You can learn more about Georgian winemaking traditions on Pheasant's Tears, a winery that adheres to these ancient practices.

How It’s Made: The Magic of Maceration

The process of making orange wine goes something like this:

1. White grapes are harvested and crushed.

2. Instead of removing the skins and seeds, everything goes into a fermentation vessel together.

3. The mixture is left to ferment, often in clay amphorae (large earthenware vessels) or wooden barrels.

4. During this time, the juice extracts colour, tannins, and phenols from the skins and seeds.

5. After the desired level of maceration is achieved, the wine is pressed and aged further.

This method of production is often referred to as skin-contact white wine or amber wine. The longer the skin contact, the deeper the colour and the more intense the flavours.

Flavour Profile: A Taste Adventure

If you're expecting orange wine to taste like a standard white wine, you're in for a surprise. The flavour profile of orange wines is often described as:

• Bold and tannic (thanks to the extended skin contact)

• Dry and sometimes sour

• Nutty or tea-like

• Exhibiting notes of bruised apple, jackfruit, brazil nut, sourdough, and dried orange peel

The texture is often robust and gripping, with a complexity that can be both jarring and exciting for first-time tasters. It's a wine that demands attention and often polarises opinion—people tend to either love it or hate it.

Food Pairings: Versatility on the Table

One of the joys of orange wine is its versatility when it comes to food pairings. Its bold flavours and tannic structure allow it to stand up to foods that might overwhelm a typical white wine. Some excellent pairings include:

• Bold, spicy cuisines like Indian or Moroccan food

• Funky cheeses

• Charcuterie boards

• Grilled meats

• Hearty vegetarian dishes

Leading Brands and Producers

While orange wines are produced worldwide, certain regions and producers stand out for their exceptional offerings:

1. Radikon (Italy): A pioneer in the modern orange wine movement, known for their long-macerated Ribolla Gialla.

2. Gravner (Italy): Famous for fermenting wines in clay amphorae buried underground, continuing an ancient tradition.

3. Pheasant's Tears (Georgia): Producing wines in the traditional Georgian style using qvevri (large clay vessels).

4. Domaine Matassa (France): Creating intriguing orange wines in the Roussillon region.

5. Cullen Wines (Australia): Showcasing New World excellence in orange wine production.

6. Day Wines (Oregon, USA): Demonstrating the potential for orange wine in the Pacific Northwest.

The Natural Wine Connection

It's worth noting that orange wine often overlaps with the natural wine movement. Many orange wine producers follow low-intervention winemaking practices, often eschewing additives and using minimal sulphites. This can result in wines with a “funky” or “wild” character that appeals to adventurous wine drinkers.

For more about the natural wine movement, visit the Natural Wine Movement.

Is Orange the New White?

While orange wine has seen a surge in popularity, it’s unlikely to replace traditional white or red wines anytime soon.

Instead, it offers a fascinating alternative for those looking to expand their wine horizons. Its unique production method, bold flavours, and food-friendly nature make it a conversation starter and a wonderful addition to any wine enthusiast’s repertoire.

So, next time you see orange wine on a menu or in a wine shop, why not give it a try? You might just discover a new favourite.