If you’ve been eyeing those orange bottles on shelves and thinking, “Wait, are we making wine from oranges now?” you’re definitely not the only one. These bottles have been popping up on wine lists everywhere, leaving everyone confused but kinda intrigued.
Let’s clear this up: Nope, orange wine is not made from oranges. No orange peels, no citrus vibes, and sadly, it’s not boozy orange soda.
So, what is orange wine?
Turns out, it’s a lot like any other wine. Just with a twist.
But to really get what makes it different (and why it’s suddenly everywhere), we gotta give you a quick Winemaking 101 crash course. Because, let’s be real, it’s good to know what’s happening with the wine before it ends up in your glass!
How Are Red, White, and Orange Wines Made, Exactly?
Red wine (think, Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah) is made from dark-skinned grapes. When the grapes are crushed up, the skins add color to the juice and it becomes purple. (Kinda like your teeth after happy hour)
White wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio) is made from lighter-skinned grapes, which are golden or green. But when these grapes are crushed, the skins are whisked away so they don’t add anything to the juice. As a result, the wine turns out very pale yellow.
Now, orange wines are also made from light-skinned grapes, just like white wines are. This time, though, when the grapes are crushed, the skins are allowed to soak in there with the juice. Since the orange wine grapes are usually golden colored, their skins lend a lovely amber hue to the juice.
And that’s where your orange wine color comes from.
Orange wine grapes can be the same as any white wine grape, and the choice is up to the winemaker. Traditionally, the most common variety has been a little-known grape called Ribolla Gialla.
Orange wine can be made from other grapes, too. Pinot Grigio is a popular option used in Italy. (That’s right, it doesn’t just make crushable white wines!) You may also see versions made from Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and another little-known grape called Rkatsiteli.
Where Did the Orange Wine Trend Come From?
So now that you know how it’s made, you may be wondering how long you’ve been missing out on this unique wine. The answer: a very long time, actually.
The story of orange wine goes way, way back — all the way to about 6,000 years ago! It comes from an ancient winemaking technique that started in the Eastern European country of Georgia, the birthplace of wine as we know it.
Traditionally, the juice was sealed into large earthenware jugs and buried underground to ferment. This allowed the temperature to remain consistent while the juice slowly transformed into a more delicious (and more alcoholic) version of itself.
Today, Georgia is still a popular hub for the best orange wines, along with Slovenia and Northeastern Italy. These regions have been making great orange wine for ages, but it’s only recently become popular around the world.
While we’re all raving about this new trend, those winemakers are wondering what took everyone so long to catch up. Nowadays, there are plenty of great options available from the United States, Australia, France, and beyond.
What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?
If you’re looking to drink something completely different (and completely delicious), orange wine is just the thing for you. Because it’s made slightly different from what you’re used to, you can expect to discover some new and exciting flavors.
Thanks to that time spent with the grape skins, you may find the tannins in orange wine feel similar to a red wine. It can also have bolder flavors than you expect.
According to some experts, drinking orange wine is a great way to learn about how wine tasting works, too. Every orange wine tastes a little bit different. So, when you order one, it opens up a dialogue between you and your server about what you like, what you’re looking for, and how to enjoy the best orange wine for you.
In general, orange wine tastes dry (meaning it’s not sweet) and has bold, honeyed and herbaceous aromas. When you take a sip, you may taste notes of tropical fruit and stone fruit (like ripe apricots), plus hazelnuts or apples.
If you’re still hung up on the fact that orange wine is not made from oranges, you can take consolation in the notes of orange peel in some varieties, too.
Orange wines are also known to surprise drinkers with their bold tannins. Unlike white wines, having that extended contact with the grape skins gives orange wines a more astringent mouthfeel. It may even remind you of unsweetened iced tea — a little bitter, but very full of flavor.
The unique winemaking process also gives orange wines high acidity and a distinctive tart flavor similar to sour beer or kombucha. So if you know a beer-drinker who refuses to try wine, drinking orange wine might be just the thing for them!
What to Pair With Your Orange Wine
It’s perfectly fine to sip a glass (or bottle) of this refreshing drink all on its own. But you can also take advantage of the unique flavors in orange wine to find a perfect food pairing.
With its surprisingly bold flavors, orange wine pairs well with bold foods, such as spicy curry or seasoned kebabs. It also plays well with roasted vegetables and meats, especially when they have rich flavors.
If you’re looking for an unusual pairing, try sipping your orange wine with a fermented food like kimchi. Or get funky and pair it with something like goat cheese!
Where to Find Your Next Great Orange Wine Discovery
It seems like orange wine bottles have taken over wine shops, wine menus, and tasting flights everywhere. If you’re excited to try it yourself, a great place to start is in a natural wine store or bar.
While orange wines aren’t always necessarily labeled “natural” wine, these two styles often go hand in hand. Ask any local shop for their orange wine selection and there’s a good chance they’ll have a few options for you.
If you’re lucky enough to see one on a restaurant wine menu, don’t hesitate to ask the server about it. They’ll be able to share specific tasting notes and what dishes to enjoy with it.
Orange wine can open up a world of new flavors — from herbaceous and refined, to fruity and zesty. The most important thing? Remember to take it lightly and have fun trying something new!