Everything you need to know about orange wine

For quite some time we’ve had just three wines to choose from: red, white and rosé. But there’s another option that’s piqued the interest of wine lovers more recently, with orange wine becoming ever more prevalent on wine lists at some of the best bars and restaurants around the world. You could be forgiven for thinking that orange wine is one made from oranges, but it’s actually something else entirely – more like an intensified white wine that’s made like a red. Confused? We’re here to clear things up.

What is orange wine?

Orange wine is also known as a skin-contact white, so named because white grapes are left in contact with their skins for longer than they usually would be to make a classic white wine. Skin-contact wines are essentially just white wines made like red wines, with the prolonged contact between the juice and pale skins giving the end product a distinctive gold or amber hue.

Depending on how long the juice ferments with the skins, an orange wine can range in colour from golden yellow to rosy copper to a bold, vibrant orange. Orange wines are made using a natural process with little to no additives, creating a unique flavour.

Where does it come from?

Despite orange wine has become trendy over the past couple of years, wines made in this way are actually the oldest form of whites, having been produced in Georgia for 2,000 years. These wines are fermented in a large vessel usually made of clay, wood, or steel, with the process taking anything from a few hours up to a year depending on the desired end result. More recently, winemakers from other regions have begun using this traditional technique, most of which can be found in north-eastern Italy but also in Slovenia, France, the United States, Australia, Austria, and South Africa.

What does it taste like?

Orange wines have qualities of both red and white wines, which is what makes them so unique. They are refreshing like a white with the great depth of flavour usually found in a red, with a typically tannic taste and developed aromas such as nuts and dried fruits. Orange wines vary in flavour significantly depending on how long they are fermented for, as more time with the skins gives them greater red wine characteristics such as more tannin and bigger body, whilst maintaining the acidity of a white wine. The longer the skins are in contact with the juice, the bigger and bolder the wine becomes.

What is it best served with?

Because orange wines maintain a refreshing quality whilst also being complex and higher in tannins, they make a great accompaniment to bold, Asian-inspired dishes. They’re also great with red meat, especially lamb, or can be enjoyed on their own on a summer’s afternoon. Some orange wines pair better with pork, veal, or poultry, as is the case with the beautiful Baglio Bianco from western Sicily, a lovely golden wine made with three days’ skin contact.

Why is it so popular?

Orange wines offer something different to the usual options, which has made them a must-try for wine lovers in all corners of the world. Think of them as white wines that pack a punch. They’ve also become popular amongst millennials for their aesthetically pleasing amber hue, with many a new orange wine fan having been prompted to try the drink after an Instagram post initially piqued their interest.

Where can I get some?

You won’t find orange wines at your local supermarket, but you can buy them from select-off licenses or wine shops across the UK. The Baglio Bianco is available online with UK-wide delivery and makes an excellent introductory orange wine, with aromas and flavors of russet apples and red plums.