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Wine
By Style
Red
White
Rosé
Sparkling
Blend
Dessert
Port
By Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Noir
Shiraz/Syrah
Riesling
Sauvignon Blanc
By Country
France
Italy
Spain
Germany
Argentina
United States
New Zealand
By Region
Bordeaux
Tuscany
Rioja
Burgundy
Napa Valley
Spirits
By Type
Vodka
Whiskey
Sake
Tequila
Rum
Gin
Brandy
Liqueur
By Country
United States
France
Ireland
Japan
Italy
Mexico
Staff Picks
On Sale
eGift Cards
Tasting & Events
Store Info
Store Info
Location & Hours
Notifications
My Account
Order History
Wine Blog
New York Local Products
Home Bar Ideas
3 Brothers Winery
What Is Prosecco Wine
Your Guide To Lambrusco Wine
What is Sancerre Wine?
Orange Wine: Is There More Than Aesthetics to This TikTok Wine?
Liquor Blog
Top Winter Spirits
Rabbit Hole Bourbon
All About Malibu Rum
Cocktail Recipes
Top 2024 Mocktails
Fall Cocktails & Planning!
Winter Cocktails
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.
What is 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.
How is Orange Wine Made?
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.
The History of Orange Wine
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.
Flavor Profile of Orange Wine
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
Oxidative notes: Bruised apple, sourdough bread
Tea-like tannins
Sometimes described as "funky" or "exotic"
Orange Wine Comparison to Other Wines
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
Orange wine offers a middle ground between white and red wine experiences. It lacks the deep berry flavors of reds but offers a bolder, more textured profile than most whites. For wine enthusiasts looking to expand their palate, orange wine offers a unique and exciting tasting adventure.
Orange Wine Food Pairings
The bold and complex nature of orange wine makes it a versatile companion for a range of cuisines. Here are some excellent pairing suggestions:
Cheese Pairings
1. Aged Hard Cheeses:
Examples: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Aged Gouda, Pecorino
2. Bold Soft Cheeses:
Examples: Epoisses, Taleggio, Munster
Main Course Pairings
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
Why These Pairings Work
Tannins and acidity
in orange wine cut through rich, fatty dishes.
Its
complex flavors
align with herbs, spices, and bold cuisines.
The
bold profile
stands up to strong-flavored foods.
The
refreshing quality
of orange wine balances heavier meals.
Orange Wine Varieties
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:
1. Ribolla Gialla
Origin: Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
Characteristics: High acidity, notes of apricot and almond
2. Pinot Grigio
Origin: Various regions, notably Italy
Characteristics: Light body, flavors of pear and citrus
3. Chardonnay
Origin: Burgundy, France (but widely planted)
Characteristics: Versatile, can produce full-bodied wines with apple and tropical fruit notes
4. Sauvignon Blanc
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Characteristics: Herbaceous notes, high acidity
5. Gewürztraminer
Origin: Alsace, France
Characteristics: Aromatic, with lychee and rose petal notes
6. Muscat
Origin: Ancient variety with many subtypes
Characteristics: Highly aromatic, floral notes
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.
Best Orange Wines at Seneca Wine & Liquor
At Seneca Wine & Liquor, we're proud to offer a curated selection of orange wines. Here are two standout options that we highly recommend:
1. Orange Marrows Orange Wine
Origin: Bierzo, Spain
Price: $13.99
Tasting Notes: This vibrant orange wine offers a unique flavor profile with notes of apricot, peach, and a hint of honey. You can pair it a variety of foods because of its balanced acidity and subtle tannins.
Perfect for: Those new to orange wines or looking for a crowd-pleasing option.
2. Izydora Muscat Orange Amber Wine
Origin: Austria
Price: $10.99
Tasting Notes: This Polish orange wine, made from Muscat grapes, presents an aromatic bouquet of orange blossom and jasmine. On the palate, it delivers flavors of ripe stone fruits and a touch of spice, with a pleasant tannic structure.
Perfect for: Adventurous wine drinkers looking to explore unique expressions of orange wine.
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.
Hop On The Orange Wine Trend Today
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 8
630 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.