In recent years, the world of wine has witnessed a renaissance of sorts, with a resurgence of ancient techniques paving the way with a modern twist. Among these fascinating styles is orange wine, an enchanting and complex category that has transfixed and divided both wine enthusiasts and newbies.
With its rich history, distinct flavour profiles, and an innovative blend of winemaking techniques, orange wine not only attracts attention for its unique colour and taste but also serves as a homage to the traditions that have dated back thousands of years.
So the million dollar question is - What is orange wine?
Orange wine is produced by fermenting white grapes with their skins, a practice that gives the wine its characteristic amber or orange colour, there are no oranges involved.
This style of winemaking is rooted in ancient traditions, particularly in regions like Georgia, where it has been practiced for over 8,000 years. Unlike conventional white wines, where the skins are removed before fermentation, orange wines undergo a process similar to red winemaking, which imparts not just colour but also tannins, structure, and complexity.
This unique fermentation process creates a diverse range of flavours, often leading to notes of dried fruit, nuts, and spice, as well as a pronounced mouthfeel. The combination of skin contact time, grape variety, and the winemaker's techniques all contribute to the distinct profile of each orange wine and ultimately its diversity as a wine.
Nanit Orange Wine, from Spain, is made from the Macabeo grape, a varietal that is sometimes overshadowed by its more celebrated counterparts. This wine is produced using a unique method that incorporates both traditional and modern practices.
The grapes are picked from vines that benefit from the warm sun and rugged terrain of the region, lending a distinctive flavour profile. After fermentation with skin contact for approximately one month, Nanit emerges with a vibrant orange colour and bursting with stone fruit and floral aromas. The skin contact adds an intriguing depth to the flavour, allowing for the deeper earthy aromas and tannins to shine through.
Once you take a sip, Nanit offers a perfect blend of tartness and body, revealing flavours of orange zest, apricot, and a subtle nuttiness. Its textured mouthfeel results from the prolonged interaction with the grape skins. This wine is perfect with Mediterranean cuisine such as seafood paella or roasted vegetables.
Romanian Muscat Blanc, an exciting example of natural orange wine is made from Muscat Blanc. It’s one of our most popular bottles and also currently available to taste in our enomatic machines. Renowned for its floral and fruity characteristics, Muscat serves as a perfect building block for this fabulous orange wine. The production of this wine focuses on minimal intervention, allowing the grapes’ inherent qualities to shine.
This wine delivers aromas of jasmine, honeysuckle, and ripe peaches. The intentional skin contact enhances the wine's texture, along with a refreshing acidity. This orange wine pairs exceptionally well with Asian-inspired foods or creamy cheeses, proving once again that orange wines can complement various culinary adventures.
As the fascinating world of orange wine continues to gain popularity, it offers wine drinkers a window into ancient winemaking techniques and adventurous flavour profiles. These vibrant examples from across the world, uniquely highlight the versatility and complexity of orange wines. For any of us who are willing to step outside the conventional ‘norm’, the exploration of orange wine promises to be a memorable experience filled with aromas, tastes, and stories that celebrate both tradition and innovation in each bottle. So next time you're in search of something new, consider reaching for a bottle of orange wine!
