Orange wine, a unique and intriguing entrant in the world of viticulture, stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. Often referred to as ‘skin-contact white wine’, this wine style captures the imagination of connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. It’s a testament to the age-old adage that sometimes, looking back is the best way to move forward.
Rooted in ancient winemaking practices, most notably from the Caucasus region, orange wine is produced using a technique involving fermentation with skins and seeds, often in traditional vessels such as qvevris and amphorae.
Orange wine owes its distinctive hue and robust profile to the extended maceration of white grape skins. This process, a departure from conventional white wine production, imparts a complexity and depth that challenges and expands the conventional palette of flavours and textures in white wines, giving the wine its distinctive character through unique production methods and flavour profile. Its distinctive colour is a key visual hallmark, setting it apart from other wine styles.
In contemporary viniculture, orange wine has emerged as a symbol of artisanal craftsmanship and a banner for the natural wine movement. Its production, often characterized by organic or biodynamic practices, reflects a growing trend towards minimal interventionist approaches and a renewed respect for terroir. The resulting wines are not just beverages but stories—narratives of a place, a season, and the meticulous care of the vintners.
In this in-depth guide, we delve into the heart of orange wine—understanding its history, production, and the distinctive characteristics that make it a rising star in the wine world.
Orange wine traces its roots back over 6,000 years to Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state), nestled in the Caucasus Mountains. Ancient winemakers in the region used qvevri—large, clay vessels buried underground—to ferment white grapes with their skins, a technique that’s still used today.
In Georgia and neighbouring countries, orange wines are often called amber wines, produced using traditional methods such as extended skin contact and natural fermentation in qvevris, resulting in unique flavour profiles and artisanal character.
The style experienced a revival in the late 20th century, particularly in northern Italy, Northeastern Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia, thanks to pioneering producers such as Josko Gravner, Dario Princic, Stanko Radikon, and Zidarich.
Today’s producers are still using these time-honoured techniques, often pairing them with modern materials like stainless steel or wooden barrels. Many winemakers continue to use or adapt these historical methods. Many also favour organic or biodynamic grapes and minimal intervention, aligning with the natural wine movement.
Despite the name, orange wine contains no oranges. The colour comes from fermenting white grapes with their skins and seeds, a process similar to that used in red wine production. The distinctive orange colour of orange wine comes from the maceration of the grape skins during fermentation. For this reason, orange wines are also known as skin contact wines. Orange wines are a type of skin-contact white wine, made by leaving grape skins in contact with the juice during fermentation. The maceration process gives the wine its distinctive amber hue and bold structure.
Three key factors influence the final colour:
This maceration process is a form of skin contact wine production, where the fermentation process with skins and seeds extracts colour, tannins, and aroma.
Due to this process, orange wines often exhibit tannins similar to those found in red wines and a tangy, sour quality reminiscent of fruit beer.
While there are no rules, some white grape varietals are particularly suited to orange wine production. Making orange wine involves treating white grapes with extended skin contact, similar to red wine production, which impacts the wine's colour, flavour, and tannin content:
Pro Tip: The winemaker’s decisions (maceration length, fermentation vessel, etc.) greatly affect the final wine profile, even with the same grape.
Among the many grape varieties that contribute to the world of orange wine, Ribolla Gialla stands out as a true icon. This white grape, native to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) region of Italy, has become synonymous with high-quality orange wine production. What makes Ribolla Gialla so special is its thick skin, which is perfectly suited for the extended skin contact that defines orange wines. During the winemaking process, these robust skins impart a deep orange colour and a rich, full-bodied texture to the wine.
Orange wines from Ribolla Gialla are praised for their complex flavors, featuring vibrant stone fruit notes like apricot and peach, dried apricots, and a hint of spice. These qualities make them favorites among connoisseurs seeking depth and nuance. The grape showcases both terroir and winemaker artistry, highlighting the diversity of grape varieties in orange wine production. Whether new to orange wines or a seasoned enthusiast, exploring a Ribolla Gialla bottle is essential for appreciating this ancient style.
Orange wine is produced across the globe. Here are a few notable examples:
The natural wine movement is tightly linked to orange wine. Orange wines are often considered natural wines because they are made using organic and minimal intervention production methods. Key elements include:
Example: J. Brix’s “Island of Souls” blend (Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Vermentino). Produced by a husband-wife team in California using natural methods. It is a bit of a drive in the country, but if you get a chance, go and do a barrel tasting with them. Phenomenal. And because they are sharing the facility with other producers, you may be able to get a splash of other vino.
Natural orange wines may offer potential health benefits:
Note: As with any wine, moderate consumption is key.
Making orange wine involves different steps:
Making orange wines is a challenging and innovative process that uses extended maceration and unique winemaking techniques, treating white grapes similarly to reds to create complex flavours and structure.
This unique process gives orange wine, also known as amber wine or yellow wine, its particular colour.
You can find orange wines in both traditional wine regions and emerging areas; look for them at specialty wine shops, online retailers, or natural wine bars.
Orange wines are bold, tannic, and complex, with a flavour profile that reflects both traditional methods and the character of the grapes used.
Expect an unusual yet captivating array of aromas, including:
The taste of orange wines can be described as rich and textured, with a unique flavour profile that is both versatile and distinctive, making it suitable for pairing with a variety of foods such as fish, poultry, vegetables, cheeses, and smoked meats. Orange wines are typically dry, which contributes to their bold, complex flavours and enhances their richness and spiciness.
These come directly from the grape varietals:
These develop through winemaking techniques:
Evolved through aging: The aging process contributes to the development of tertiary characteristics such as complex flavours, aroma nuances, and texture.
Orange wine is extremely versatile with food. Thanks to its tannins and acidity, it pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Orange wine can be paired with a variety of foods, including grilled meats, spicy dishes, and aged cheeses:
Chill slightly before serving, and enjoy it with adventurous pairings—it behaves like a red wine with the brightness of a white.
Appreciating orange wine is a journey that goes beyond simply tasting—it’s about understanding the intricate interplay of grape variety, winemaking techniques, and the philosophy behind the bottle.
Orange wines are crafted by fermenting white grapes with extended skin contact, a process that unlocks bold flavours and a distinctive orange hue. To truly enjoy orange wine, it helps to learn about the different grape varieties used, such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Ribolla Gialla, each bringing its own character to the final wine.
The winemaking process, including the length of skin contact and the use of natural fermentation, plays a crucial role in shaping the wine’s complexity. The natural wine movement, with its focus on minimal intervention and authentic expression, has further elevated the profile of orange wines, encouraging producers to let the grapes and terroir shine.
By delving into the details of grape selection, extended skin contact, and natural winemaking techniques, wine lovers can deepen their appreciation for the bold flavours and unique textures that define orange wines. The more you understand about the grapes and the process, the more rewarding each glass becomes.
With the growing popularity of orange wine, finding the perfect bottle can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The key is to consider a few essential factors: the grape variety, the duration of skin contact, and the winemaking techniques employed. Each of these elements influences the wine’s flavour profile, from the bright, citrusy notes of stone fruit to the richer, more complex flavours of dried fruits and spice.
Start your search by exploring different producers and regions, paying attention to how they approach orange wine production. Visiting local wine shops and tasting rooms is a great way to sample a variety of orange wines and discover which styles resonate with your palate. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations based on your preferences or the occasion, whether you’re looking for a lighter, refreshing wine for summer or a robust, full-bodied option for a cozy evening.
Consider what foods you’ll be pairing with your orange wine, as this can also guide your selection. Lighter orange wines with fresh stone fruit notes pair beautifully with salads and seafood, while those with deeper, dried fruit flavours are perfect alongside hearty dishes and aged cheeses. By exploring different grape varieties and winemaking techniques, you’ll soon find the orange wine that’s just right for you.
Orange wine’s bold flavours and complex character have earned it a special place in food culture around the world. In regions like Friuli-Venezia Giulia, orange wine is more than just a beverage—it’s an integral part of local cuisine and tradition. Here, it’s often enjoyed alongside classic dishes such as prosciutto, polenta, and rustic vegetable preparations, where the wine’s structure and acidity complement the flavours of the food.
Beyond traditional pairings, orange wine is also making its mark as a versatile ingredient in contemporary cooking. Its robust profile can add depth and intrigue to sauces, marinades, and even desserts. The art of pairing orange wine with food lies in understanding the wine’s unique flavour profile and experimenting with different combinations.
Whether you’re enjoying it with spicy Asian cuisine, smoky grilled meats, or artisanal cheeses, orange wine invites creativity and exploration at the table. By embracing both tradition and innovation, wine lovers can fully appreciate the role of orange wine in global food culture.
Most orange wines command higher prices than traditional wines due to:
Despite the higher cost, demand is growing among sommeliers and wine connoisseurs, who are beginning to appreciate the complexity, authenticity, and uniqueness of orange wine.
If you’re buying orange wine, look for natural production methods or ask a knowledgeable wine shop for guidance to ensure you're getting a wine that aligns with your preferences.
The future of orange wine is as vibrant and dynamic as its colour. As interest in orange wine production continues to rise, winemakers around the world are experimenting with new grape varieties and innovative winemaking techniques, pushing the boundaries of what this ancient style can offer. The influence of the natural wine movement is particularly strong, encouraging producers to adopt minimal intervention practices that highlight the true character of the grape and the land.
With growing consumer demand, more wineries are dedicating resources to crafting orange wines, resulting in an ever-expanding array of styles and expressions. This surge in creativity is not only introducing new wines to the market but also inspiring a broader conversation about authenticity, sustainability, and the artistry of winemaking.
As orange wine continues to evolve, both producers and enthusiasts can look forward to a future filled with discovery, diversity, and a deepening appreciation for this distinctive and captivating wine style.
As we finish our journey through the world of this style of skin contact wines, we can say that you would be hard-pressed to find a more varied wine. What used to be a specialty wine in small pockets of the world is no longer the case. This type of skin contact wine is like an artist’s canvas. With so many different hues and paintbrushes, the artwork created is one of a kind. So, go on, experiment, and delight your senses with this beautiful wine.
Simon J. Woolf (2018): Amber revolution; how the world learned to love orange wine. ISBN 978-1623719661 .
Legeron MW, Isabelle (2014-07-10). Natural Wine: An introduction to organic and biodynamic wines made naturally
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