Orange Wine: The Unique and Flavorful Wine Trend You Need to Try
Orange wine is a unique and flavorful wine that has recently gained popularity among wine enthusiasts. Unlike other wines, orange wine is made by fermenting white wine grapes with their skins, giving the wine an orange color and distinctive taste. In this article, we’ll explore what orange wine is, its history, how it’s made, and why it’s worth trying.
What is Orange Wine?
Orange wine, also known as amber wine, is a type of wine that’s made from white wine grapes that are fermented with their skins. This process gives the wine its characteristic orange color and a more complex and intense flavor profile compared to white wines. Orange wine has a texture and tannin level that’s similar to red wines, making it a versatile option to pair with food.
The History of Orange Wine
While orange wine may seem like a trendy new beverage, it has been around for thousands of years. In fact, the ancient winemaking tradition in Georgia, a country located in the Caucasus region of Eurasia, involves fermenting white wine grapes with their skins in clay pots buried underground. This traditional method has been used for over 8,000 years, and Georgian orange wine is still made this way today.
Orange wine was also common in other parts of Europe before the introduction of stainless steel fermentation tanks in the 20th century. However, the popularity of white wines made without skins and the rise of modern winemaking techniques caused orange wine to fall out of favor.
How Orange Wine is Made
Orange wine is made by fermenting white wine grapes with their skins, a process that can take several days to several months. During fermentation, the yeast converts the grape sugars into alcohol and the skins impart flavor and color to the wine. The wine is then aged in oak barrels or clay pots, which further adds to its complexity.
Orange wine can be made with any white wine grape, but some popular varieties include Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. The skins are left in contact with the juice for varying lengths of time, depending on the winemaker’s preference. Some orange wines are aged for years to develop even more complex flavors.
Why Try Orange Wine?
Orange wine has a unique and complex flavor profile that sets it apart from other wines. The tannins from the grape skins give it a similar mouthfeel to red wines, while the acidity of white wines helps balance the flavor. Orange wine can have a range of flavors, including notes of honey, apple, citrus, and tea.
Additionally, orange wine is a versatile option for pairing with food. Its complexity makes it a good match for rich and hearty dishes like roasted meats, stews, and game, while its acidity allows it to pair well with seafood and vegetables.
In Conclusion
Orange wine is a unique and flavorful wine that has a rich history and is worth trying. It’s made by fermenting white wine grapes with their skins, giving it an orange color and complex flavor profile. Orange wine can be paired with a variety of foods and is a great option for wine enthusiasts looking for something new and different. So, if you’re looking to expand your wine horizons, give orange wine a try.