What is orange wine?

Oct 21, 2024

Orange wine was born about 8,000 years ago in the Caucasus and more precisely in Georgia, because traces of winemaking have been found in this region. Indeed, the Georgians certainly practiced the maceration of white wines which they left to age in buried amphorae. Since then, the production of wines in this way in this region has continued.

Orange wine is a white wine

Orange wine, also known as macerated wine or macerated white wine, is a type of wine produced from white grapes that have been fermented like red grapes. Unlike traditional white wines, where the must (grape juice) is separated from the skins, stems, and seeds before fermentation, the grapes used for orange wine are fermented with their skins on. This gives the wine an orange, golden, or amber color, as well as distinct aromas and flavors from compounds extracted from the grape skins.

The maceration process

Prolonged maceration with the skins can also add tannins and structure similar to that of red wines, giving orange wine a more robust texture and sometimes some astringency. Orange wines can be made in a variety of wine regions around the world and are often associated with natural or biodynamic winemaking techniques, although they can also be produced more conventionally. They offer a unique sensory experience and have become increasingly popular among wine lovers looking for new taste discoveries.

When should you drink orange wine?

Thanks to the tannins it contains, a bottle of orange wine can be enjoyed like a bottle of red wine during a traditional meal. Orange wine is not reserved only for aperitifs or seafood-based meals, for example. It will go wonderfully with Asian or oriental cuisine, but also with fish.

Dare to try half-bottle wine!