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All about Orange Wine
What is Orange Wine?
Orange wine is a white wine made like a red wine. Instead of being pressed straight after harvest, the white grapes ferment in contact with their skins, sometimes even with the stems. This maceration, which can last from a few days to several months, gives the wine its amber to orange hue and a tannic structure unusual for a white. This technique is ancient: it dates back to Antiquity in Georgia, the cradle of wine, where winemakers used clay vessels called qvevris.
Where is Orange Wine produced?
Even though orange wine is trendy today, it is far from a modern invention. Its historic homelands are Georgia, Slovenia, and Italy’s Friuli region, where the tradition never disappeared. Over the last few decades, many natural winemakers have revived this practice worldwide: in France (Loire, Jura, Alsace, Languedoc…), but also in Spain, Austria, and even South America. Each region brings its own identity, from the most delicate to the most powerful styles.
Which grapes for Orange Wine?
Almost any white grape can be used to make orange wine, but some are particularly suited to maceration. In Alsace, Gewurztraminer and Riesling reveal intense spicy and floral aromas. In Jura, Savagnin delivers wines of remarkable depth. In Italy, Ribolla Gialla is the emblematic grape of Friuli, while in Georgia, Rkatsiteli holds a central role. These grapes reveal new and unexpected expressions when vinified with skin contact.
Why try Orange Wine?
Orange wine is a wine of character that seduces with its aromatic complexity: dried fruits, spices, candied citrus, dried flowers… Its palate, structured by light tannins, sets it apart from classic whites. It is also a wonderfully food-friendly wine: it pairs beautifully with spicy cuisine, Asian dishes, aged cheeses, or white meats. Its versatility makes it an ideal ally to surprise your guests and step off the beaten path.