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Looking for something new to drink? Why not try orange wines! These unique wines are made from white grapes that are left in contact with the skins for a longer period of time, which gives them their characteristic orange color. Orange wines offer a different flavor profile than traditional white wines, and they’re becoming more and more popular. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what orange wines are and some of the best ones to try.
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What are orange wines and where do they come from?
If you enjoy trying different types of wine, it’s time to introduce yourself to orange wines. Not named for their color – although they tend to have a light orange hue – but rather the winemaking process, these unique wines are made when white grapes are macerated and fermented with their skins on. This gives the wines more body and flavor and a beautiful coloring.
Orange wines can be traced back to some of the earliest European winemaking methods where grapes were crushed and gently soaked in vessels before being transferred into barrels for fermentation with the grape skins left intact. You’ll find them anywhere from Italy and Croatia down to France’s Rhone Valley, Georgia, or California as this style of winemaking is becoming quite popular throughout the world.
Generally high in tannin qualities and often oxidative, orange wines pair well with hearty dishes or stronger flavored pies thanks to notes of apricot, quince, herbs, earthy spices and dried flowers all present on the nose.
What makes them different from other types of wine, and why should you try them?
When it comes to wine, the options are seemingly endless. From merlot to pinot noir and everything in between, there’s a bottle out there that’s sure to please every palate. But have you ever gone beyond the traditional reds, whites and rosés?
If not, then it’s time to give orange wines a try! Often referred to as “skin contact” or “amber” wines, these slightly-hazy tipples are made from white grapes such as chardonnay and Riesling that undergo an extended maceration process with their skins.
The result is a unique flavor profile with subtle tannins yet bold aromas of honey, citrus zest and even hints of tropical fruit. And while orange wines may require a bit more effort on your part — after all, they’re best served chilled — they’re worth the extra time and energy for their complex taste and earthy character.
How to serve and drink orange wines
Orange wines are one of the most unique and delightful tasting experiences available in the wine world. They’re created using white grapes, different from those used in reds, but left to ferment with their skins on, giving them a strikingly different flavor profile.
Because of this, it’s important that orange wines are served and enjoyed properly to appreciate their distinct nuances and flavors. The ideal temperature range for serving is around 50-55F, as this helps to keep the natural acidity balanced.
When opening an orange wine it’s important not to decant it too much or you may accidentally oxidize it and dull its flavor profile. A slow pour for about half a minute should give you enough time for a good whiff of its delicate aromas to prepare your taste buds for what is to come!
Some popular orange wine varieties to look out for
These wines can be intense and tannic, but also light and refreshing – leaving behind a unique herbal flavor that you won’t soon forget. If you’re looking to pick up some interesting bottles, some popular orange wine varieties to look out for are
- Georgian Otskhanuri Sapere
- Charbono, California
- Alto Adige Kalterersee Classico Superiore DOC
- Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Lagerer Achleiten Federspiel Unendlichkeit, Austria
Pick up any one of these delicious orange wines and you’ll be sure to enjoy an unforgettable experience.
The best food pairings for orange wines
If you’re looking for something a bit different to go with your dinner, why not consider pairing it with an orange wine? Orange wines are created by fermenting white grapes in the skins for longer periods of time, giving them an amazing flavor and color.
While some may be a little more challenging than a traditional white or red, they can legitimately play a part in any enjoyable meal. Depending on the particular vintage, orange wines tend to have notes of peach, honey and apricot, so they can pair great with similarly-flavored dishes such as seared scallops with honey-garlic sauce or ginger pork loin.
They can also work surprisingly well with dishes like roasted salmon or soft cheeses due to their complex notes of citrus and tannin.
If you’re feeling bold, you can even pair them with rich seasonal vegetables. Try roasted cauliflower with tangy orange butter or grilled zucchini with feta and salsa!
Try the best orange wines
Have you tried orange wine? What did you think? Orange wines are a unique and delicious type of wine that is growing in popularity. They offer a different flavor profile than other types of wine, and they can be paired with a variety of foods. If you haven’t had the chance to try one yet, we recommend you do!
