Orange Wine: Is There More Than Aesthetics to This TikTok Wine?

While yes, it is orange, orange wine isn’t actually made from oranges—though you’d be forgiven for assuming that, given its citrusy hue. And if you're noticing orange wines popping up everywhere lately—thanks in large part to orange wine’s viral moment on TikTok—this wine’s origins trace back a solid 3,000 years to Georgia, widely regarded in vinous circles as the “cradle of winemaking.”

Still, orange wine remains quite niche and lit leaves wine aficionados wondering if i;st really time to say “Make mine an orange.” Is orange wine all about aesthetics or does it have substance?

To answer these questions, let’s start by going into the history of orange wine. Meanwhile, if the hype has convinced you to try this wine already, head to our store— Seneca Wine & Liquor’s in New Hartford, NY— to pick up your bottle of orange wine. 

Despite its name, orange wine isn't made from oranges, but it's one of the oldest wine styles in the world. You’ll be surprised to know that orange wine, also known as amber wine or skin-contact white wine, is made from white wine grapes but produced like red wine.

The process of making orange wine is what gives it its distinctive character. It starts similarly to white wine production, with white grapes being harvested and crushed. However, this is where the similarities end. Instead of immediately separating the juice from the grape skins and seeds, winemakers allow them to macerate together, often for extended periods ranging from a few days to several months.

This extended skin contact is the key to orange wine's unique properties. During this time, the grape skins and seeds release tannins, phenols, and pigments into the juice, resulting in the wine's signature orange or amber hue. The fermentation process occurs naturally with wild yeasts present on the grape skins, or with carefully selected cultured yeasts. After fermentation, the wine is typically aged in various vessels, including oak barrels, stainless steel tanks, or even traditional clay amphorae, further developing its complex flavor profile.

While TikTok may have made orange wine popular, its roots stretch back thousands of years. The origin of orange wine can be traced to the country of Georgia, nestled in the Caucasus region between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Georgian winemakers have been producing this style of wine for about 8,000 years, making it one of the oldest winemaking techniques in the world.

Traditional Georgian winemakers fermented grapes in large clay vessels called qvevri, buried underground for temperature control. This method naturally led to extended skin contact during fermentation, creating what we now know as orange wine.

Though this style spread to other regions like Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, it eventually became a niche practice as modern winemaking techniques evolved. However, a revival began in the late 20th century when Italian winemakers started experimenting with extended skin-contact fermentation for white wines. This sparked renewed interest among wine enthusiasts, leading to orange wine's current popularity. 

Orange wine offers a unique tasting experience that sets it apart from traditional white and red wines. Let's break down its distinctive characteristics:

Aroma

• Stone fruits: Apricot, peach
• Nuts: Almonds, hazelnuts
• Honey and dried fruits
• Herbal notes: Tea, dried herbs

Taste

• Fuller-bodied than typical white wines
• Tannic quality similar to red wines
• Slight astringency
• Complex flavor combinations:

             Fruity and nutty
             Sweet and savory
             Fresh and oxidative

Texture

• Stronger mouthfeel than white wines
• Noticeable tannins
• Refreshing acidity

Unique Qualities

1. Oxidative notes: Bruised apple, sourdough bread
2. Tea-like tannins
3. Sometimes described as "funky" or "exotic"

Body:

• Orange Wine: Medium to full
• White Wine: Light to medium
• Red Wine: Medium to full

Tannins:

• Orange Wine: Moderate
• White Wine: Low to none
• Red Wine: High

Fruitiness:

• Orange Wine: Less pronounced
• White Wine: Fruit-forward
• Red Wine: Varied

Complexity:

• Orange Wine: High
• White Wine: Varies
• Red Wine: High

The bold and complex nature of orange wine makes it a versatile companion for a range of cuisines. Here are some excellent pairing suggestions:

1. Aged Hard Cheeses:

• Examples: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Aged Gouda, Pecorino

2. Bold Soft Cheeses:

• Examples: Epoisses, Taleggio, Munster

1. Grilled & Roasted Meats:

• Examples: Herb-crusted lamb, Grilled chicken with lemon, Spiced pork belly

2. Mediterranean & Middle Eastern:

• Examples: Mezze platter, Moroccan tagine, Greek moussaka

3. Vegetarian Dishes:

• Examples: Grilled vegetable platter, Mushroom risotto, Eggplant parmigiana, Butternut squash curry

Orange wine can be made from a wide variety of white grape varieties. Each grape imparts its unique characteristics to the final product, creating a diverse range of orange wines. Here are some popular grape varieties used in orange wine production:

Note: The final character of the wine depends not only on the grape variety but also on factors like terroir, production method, and aging process.

At Seneca Wine & Liquor, we're proud to offer a curated selection of orange wines. Here are two standout options that we highly recommend:

Both of these wines showcase the diversity and excitement that orange wines can offer. Whether you're new to orange wines or a seasoned enthusiast, these selections provide an excellent opportunity to explore this fascinating wine style.

This article established that orange wine isn’t just a treat for the eye. It could be your next go-to drink if you prefer bold and unique flavors.
So grab your bottle of orange wine from Seneca Wine & Liquor at 8630 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford, NY 13413. You can also order a bottle online from our virtual shop.

Call us at (315) 724-8672 or visit our store directly. Our helpful staff will help you pick out the perfect drink for any occasion.