The world of wine is full of mystique and allure. With an impressive range of colours, flavours, and styles, it is no wonder that wine holds a special place in the hearts of many. Yet, beyond the more commonly known red and white varieties, there lies an offbeat, intriguing variety that is steadily capturing attention worldwide – orange wine.
What is Orange Wine?
In your quest to explore the wine landscape, you may find yourself asking, “what is orange wine?” It is a common misconception that orange wine is derived from oranges. However, this is not the case. Orange wine is, in fact, a type of white wine, the colour resulting from a unique production process that differs from the usual white wine methods.
In making orange wine, white grapes are left to ferment with their skins on, often in clay vessels called amphorae. This process can span several days to months, leading to the extraction of colour, tannins, and flavour compounds from the grape skins. The result is a white wine that boasts a distinctive orange or amber hue, robust flavours, and a hearty body that can surprise the unaccustomed palate.
The Making of Orange Wine
The making of orange wine is a testament to the diversity and creativity in the world of winemaking. Unlike traditional white wine production, which typically involves promptly removing the skins following pressing, orange wine embraces the skins. This not only imparts an attractive orange hue but also adds a level of complexity to the wine’s flavour and mouthfeel that is seldom found in standard white wines.
Maceration Magic: The Secret Behind Orange Wine
The process that gives rise to the distinctive character of orange wine is maceration. Extended skin contact, a technique also used in red wine production, is the secret behind the amber hue and complex profile of orange wine. During this period, the fermenting juice is allowed to extract colour, tannins, and additional flavours from the grape skins, seeds, and stems.
The period of maceration can vary greatly from a few days to over a year, with the intensity of the wine’s colour, tannins, and flavours increasing with the duration of skin contact. The maceration process in orange winemaking is akin to brewing tea – the longer the brew, the stronger the tea. Similarly, the longer the maceration period in orange wine production, the more intense the resultant wine.
Prominent Orange Wine Brands
Orange wine may not be as prolific as its red and white counterparts, but this does not mean that it lacks in quality or variety. On the contrary, there is an abundance of orange wines in the market, each possessing its own unique charm. As you embark on your orange wine journey, here are some brands you may come across.
Orange Wines: Prominent Country Producers and Grape Varieties
When it comes to the production of orange wine, certain countries have particularly distinguished themselves with their outstanding offerings. Here are some notable wine-producing countries and the grape varieties they use in crafting their signature orange wines:
- Georgia: Known as the birthplace of wine, Georgia is renowned for its use of local grape varieties in making orange wine, notably Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane.
- Italy: Home to a diverse range of wine grapes, Italy produces orange wine using various local varieties such as Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, and Trebbiano.
- Slovenia: This country is particularly known for using the Rebula grape variety (also known as Ribolla Gialla in Italy) for making its unique orange wines.
- Spain: Spain is gaining recognition for its orange wines, with grape varieties like Palomino and Macabeo frequently used.
- United States: In regions like California and Oregon, winemakers are experimenting with orange wine using grape varieties like Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.
- Australia: Down under, varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Pinot Gris are often used in the production of orange wine.
Each of these countries presents their unique interpretation of orange wine, creating an exciting range of tasting experiences for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Exceptional Orange Wines to Try
Here are some popular orange wine bottles renowned for their exceptional taste:
- I’m Natural Don’t Panic Orange #21: This natural orange wine is a standout choice for those looking to dip their toes into the world of orange wines. It’s funky, fruity, and made with minimal intervention, showcasing the purest expression of the grape and the terroir.
- Best orange wines like the aforementioned ones are certainly not to be missed, but the world of orange wine is filled with countless other varieties that promise a unique sensory experience. Whether you’re seeking a wine that is fruit-forward, earthy, floral, or spicy, there’s an orange wine out there for you.
- Amph’orange 2020: This exquisite variety hails from the Kakheti region of Georgia, a region often lauded as the birthplace of orange wines. This wine is made from the Rkatsiteli grape and has a unique mineral character and firm tannic structure.
- Tropicalia 2020 – Exotic Orange wine from Toledo, Spain: Spain has a rich wine history, and the production of orange wine is no exception. Tropicalia 2020 is a brilliant representation of Spanish orange wine, boasting a vibrant bouquet of flavours.
- The Bookkeeper 2020: South Africa is known for its Chenin Blanc wines, and The Bookkeeper 2020 is a standout example. This orange wine is crisp, juicy, and made from 100% Chenin Blanc grapes.
- Roditis Amphora: Greece is home to some of the oldest winemaking traditions in the world, and the Roditis Amphora is a tribute to this rich heritage. This Greek orange wine is perfectly balanced between sweetness and acidity and is a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
While these wines offer a fantastic introduction to the world of orange wines, the world of orange wine is vast and waiting to be explored. With each bottle, you get a chance to experience a different region, grape variety, and winemaking approach.
The Journey of Taste: Sip, Savour, and Surprise
Imagine, if you will, the sheer audacity of Lady Gaga’s striking costumes. Just as the pop star’s bold fashion choices make a statement and leave a lasting impression, so too does the bold elegance of orange wine. This delightful variety is not one to shy away from making its presence known. With its robust flavours and striking orange hue, orange wine is truly a game-changer in the world of wines.
Fun Fact: Orange wines are often likened to the boldness of Lady Gaga’s costumes – unexpected yet captivating!
The Natural World of Orange Wine
The world of natural orange wine is a realm where simplicity reigns supreme. Here, the focus is on minimal intervention, letting the grapes and nature take centre stage. Natural orange wines are made from organically grown grapes and fermented with native yeasts. They are typically unfiltered and unfined, showcasing the raw, unadulterated flavours of the grape and the terroir.
Just as an artist’s brush strokes on a canvas reveal their interpretation of the world, a natural orange wine is a winemaker’s rendition of the grape, the land, and the vintage. It’s a testament to the beauty that can arise when nature is left to its own devices.
Embracing Orange Wine
Embracing orange wine is about more than just adding another variety to your wine repertoire. It’s about broadening your palate and opening yourself up to a new world of flavours and experiences.
As the popularity of orange wine continues to grow, more and more people are beginning to recognise and appreciate its unique charm. Despite being one of the oldest types of wine, orange wine feels new and exciting, offering wine lovers a chance to step away from the usual and delve into the unconventional.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a daunting task, but it can also be an exciting adventure. Orange wine, with its bold flavours and unexpected complexity, offers the perfect opportunity to do just that. If you’re ready to shake things up and embark on a unique wine journey, orange wine is your ticket to a world of bold elegance and sensory delight.
Conclusion
Bold and elegant, the world of orange wine beckons you to partake in a unique journey of taste. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or a curious explorer, the multifaceted character of orange wine offers something for everyone. Its rise to fame in the contemporary wine world is a testament to its distinct charm and complexity. So, are you ready to sip, savour, and surprise yourself with a glass of bold elegance?
FAQs
- What is orange wine?
- It’s a type of white wine fermented with grape skins, resulting in an orange hue.
- How is orange wine made?
- By fermenting white grapes with their skins for an extended period.
- What are some recommended orange wine brands?
- Amph’orange 2020, I’m Natural Don’t Panic Orange #21, and Roditis Amphora are excellent picks.
- Where can I buy orange wine?
- Check out local wineries, online stores, or international vineyards for a selection.
- What’s unique about orange wine?
- Its robust character, bright acidity, and complex flavour profile set it apart.
