As you journey into the broad and exciting world of wines, it’s easy to find oneself enchanted by the usual suspects — the suave reds, the crisp whites, the blushing rosés. Yet, nestled within the vibrant spectrum of the wine world lies a bold, lesser-known type, just waiting to tantalise your taste buds: orange wine. Not made from oranges, as one might initially guess, but from grapes, the same as their more renowned counterparts. Yet, orange wine holds its own unique appeal, stemming from its ancient and curious production methods, the vibrancy of its hues, and the symphony of flavours and aromas that they encapsulate.
Unravelling the Mystery: What is Orange Wine?
Diving deeper into this topic, one might ask, “What makes a wine orange?” The secret lies not in the type of grape but the process the grapes undergo after they’ve been harvested. Orange wines are white wines produced more like reds, where the grape juice is fermented with the grape skins, giving the wine an enchanting orange hue. This skin-contact methodology provides orange wines with their name, character, and the bold, robust flavours that sets them apart.
The Creation Process of Orange Wine
Understanding the beauty of orange wine requires a look into its creation process. Orange wines involve a period of maceration where the grapes are left in contact with their skins. This can range from a week to over a year. During this period, phenols present in the grape skins infuse the wine with its characteristic amber to orange colour, tannin structure, and complex aromatics.
Fun Fact: Orange wine is also known as ‘skin-contact wine’, due to the method in which it’s made!
Popular Varieties of Orange Wine
Across the world, different vineyards put their spin on this ancient wine type, each bringing a unique personality to the table. The vibrant Vorias & Helios 2019 from Greece enchants with its bold citrus notes and complexity. Contrastingly, the Duas Vinhas (Skin- Contact) offers a taste of Portugal with its floral charm and light body.
Italy’s Tropicalia 2020 is an exciting mix of exotic fruit flavours, while the Spanish Amph’Orange 2020 “Fruity And Complex” creates a perfect balance between fruitiness and complexity. The Slovenian Premno White 2020 and the Italian Friulano 2018 are robust choices with their engaging mouthfeel and distinct flavour profiles. Finally, the Century Enigma Weiss is a late-harvest wine that pleases with its sweet undertones.
Choosing an orange wine boils down to personal preference and curiosity. Look for the flavours that pique your interest, whether it be the citric allure of a Greek Vorias, or the floral charm of a Duas Vinhas. Remember, each bottle offers a unique experience, just waiting to be uncorked.
The Best Food Pairings for Orange Wines
With their audacious character, Orange wines serve as a delightful companion to a range of robust and richly flavoured dishes. Picture an aromatic Indian curry, bursting with spice and heat, beautifully cut through with the tannins and slight tartness of an orange wine, creating a symphony of flavours on your palate. The complexity of Moroccan cuisine, too, is mirrored in the layers of these wines, each enhancing the depth of the other, producing a dining experience you won’t soon forget.
Take a journey to East Asia, and you will find that Orange wines’ unique traits complement the fermented tanginess of Korean kimchi found in dishes like Bibimbap. The inherent nutty bitterness of these wines forms a counterpoint to the robust flavours, creating an harmonious balance on the tongue. Traditional Japanese fare, such as the intensely flavoured fermented soybeans known as Natto, finds an unlikely ally in orange wines, their characteristic boldness standing up to, and intertwining with, the strong flavours.
The beauty of Orange wines lies in their versatility. Their high phenolic content, which gives them their distinct tannin and bitterness, makes them equally at home with a wide range of meats. Whether it’s a hearty beef steak, a delicate fillet of fish, or anything in between, an Orange wine can step up to the plate. Their nutty tartness and rich depth can carry the boldest flavours, offering a wine pairing that is as adventurous as it is enjoyable.
Where to Purchase Orange Wine
For those intrigued, the world of orange wine and natural wine in London is just a click away. Online shops like the Pure wines online shop provide an array of choices. For Londoners, is a local gem that houses an impressive range of orange wines.
What makes orange wine unique is its spectrum of flavours and aromas. From tasting notes that bring forth a melody of honeyed fruits, nuts, and orange peel, to the pleasant surprise of sourdough and dried fruit, each sip of orange wine provides a captivating taste journey.
Conclusion: Embrace the World of Orange Wine
The world of orange wine offers a vibrant blend of history, unique production methods, and a plethora of intriguing flavours. It is a voyage of taste and tradition, ancient methods giving birth to a wine type that is distinctively refreshing in the modern wine landscape. So, as you traverse the world of wines, take a moment to savor the bold and unexpected drink that is orange wine. It might just become your new favourite!
FAQs about Orange Wine
- Is orange wine made from oranges? No, it is made from grapes.
- Where can I buy orange wine? Online shops like PURE WINE ONLINE WINE SHOP.
- What does orange wine taste like? It offers a blend of honeyed fruits, nuts, orange peel, and sourdough.
- How is orange wine made? By leaving grape skins in contact with the juice for a longer period.
- Is orange wine the same as rosé? No, they are made using different methods and have distinct taste profiles.
