Orange Wine 101

Discover the fascinating world of orange wines

Orange wine, also known as amber wine or skin-contact white wine, is a type of wine made from white wine grapes where the grape skins are not removed, as in typical white wine production, but kept in contact with the juice for days, weeks or even months.

Ancient Origins

Orange wine production dates back 8,000 years to Georgia, where wines were fermented in large clay vessels called qvevri that were buried underground.

  • Traditional Georgian winemaking
  • Archaeological evidence from 6000 BCE
  • Cultural significance in wine history

Production Method

The extended skin contact gives orange wines their distinctive color, texture, and flavor profile.

  • Extended maceration with grape skins
  • Natural fermentation process
  • Minimal intervention techniques

Characteristics

Orange wines are known for their unique characteristics that set them apart from traditional white wines.

  • Bold tannins and structure
  • Complex flavor profiles
  • Rich amber to orange color

Key Regions

While Georgia is the birthplace of orange wine, production has spread to many wine regions globally.

  • Georgia (Kakheti region)
  • Italy (Friuli-Venezia Giulia)
  • Slovenia (Brda and Vipava Valley)

Food Pairing Guide

Cheeses

  • Aged hard cheeses
  • Alpine-style cheeses
  • Washed-rind varieties

Main Dishes

  • Roasted poultry
  • Grilled fish
  • Middle Eastern cuisine

Other Pairings

  • Mushroom dishes
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Cured meats

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