Orange wine has been gaining popularity in recent years, offering a unique departure from conventionally red, white, and rosé wines. This style of wine is made by fermenting grape skins with the juice, resulting in an amber hue and a complex flavor profile that combines elements of both white and red wines. Originating from ancient Georgian winemaking traditions, orange wine is made in clay vessels called qvevri and has spread to other regions like Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia.
One of the standout characteristics of orange wine is its textured mouthfeel, ranging from silky and velvety to grippy and tannic. This, paired with its intense aromas of dried fruits, florals, spices, and exotic herbs, makes orange wine an exceptional partner for food. With a resurgence in popularity, there are now numerous orange wines available on the market, each offering a unique experience for wine enthusiasts.
Remhoogte ‘Free to Be’ Skin-Contact Chenin from South Africa is a standout orange wine with a twist on the traditional maceration process, offering enhanced texture and a satisfying grip. Channing Daughters Ramato Pinot Grigio from the USA has a unique coppery hue and subtle undertones of coriander, caramel, and peaches, making it a great choice for those who prefer a less dry orange wine. Orgo Rkatsiteli 2022 from Georgia features a bouquet rich in stone fruits and almond, showcasing the versatility of the Rkatsiteli varietal.
Gerard Bertrand Organic Orange Gold from France is a crisp cuvée made from a blend of six grape varieties and offers a complex bouquet of white florals, citrus fruits, and spice. Labara Winery Tsolokouri 2020 from Georgia highlights minerality with flavors of pear, apple, and quince, showcasing the hand-picked grapes and delicate fermentation process. Denbies Wine Estate Orange Solaris 2022 from the UK boasts a nose packed with stone fruit and layers of baked apple and tangerine, making it a versatile choice for various food pairings.
Orange wine enthusiasts can explore a range of options from around the world, from Georgia to Lebanon to France, with each bottle offering a unique flavor profile and experience. With its growing popularity, orange wine has become a staple in the wine world, allowing wine connoisseurs to discover new and exciting flavors that go beyond traditional reds and whites. As the orange wine trend continues to grow, there is no better time to explore the diverse range of orange wines available on the market.
