Orange wine is having a real moment, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a new invention. And no, it’s not made from oranges. Orange wine is actually white wine made using red winemaking methods. In other words, the juice from white grapes is left to ferment on the grape skins, just like with red wine. It is this contact with the skins that gives its name, its amber hue, and its wonderfully textured character.
The result is something quite special. It’s wine that sits somewhere between white and red. On the nose, it can be floral and spicy. On the palate, it’s dry, structured, and often slightly grippy thanks to tannins from the skins. This is something you don’t typically find in white wines. If you love bold flavours and texture, or you’re someone who likes a wine that challenges your palate and sparks conversation at the table, orange wine is a style you’ll want to dive into.
Is Orange Wine the Same as Skin-Contact or Amber Wine?
You’ll often hear orange wine referred to as skin-contact or amber wine. While they generally mean the same thing, there are slight nuances. Skin-contact wine is the technical term, referring to white grapes that have been fermented on their skins for a period of time. Amber wine is more commonly used in Eastern Europe, especially in Georgia, where this technique has been used for thousands of years. Orange wine is simply the popular name that has stuck in the wider world. So yes, they’re essentially the same thing, but the terminology can vary depending on who’s making it and where it’s from.
How is Orange Wine Made?
So, how is orange wine made? At its core, it’s a simple shift in technique. With white wine, the juice is typically pressed off the skins straight away. But with orange wine, the juice is left to ferment with the grape skins and sometimes even the seeds and stems. This process, called maceration, can last anywhere from a few days to several months. During this time, the wine picks up tannins, colour, flavour, and texture. Many producers use wild yeast and ferment in vessels like clay amphorae, concrete tanks, or old oak barrels, which further enhances the complexity. The wines are often unfiltered, unfined, and bottled with minimal sulphur, making them a favourite among fans of natural wine.
What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?
When it comes to taste, orange wines are incredibly distinctive. The most common descriptors include bruised apple, dried apricot, orange peel, nuts, tea leaf, and warm spices. You might even notice a savoury or slightly oxidative quality, depending on the winemaker’s approach. They’re dry, grippy, and structured. Not the soft, clean profile many associate with traditional white wines. That said, they’re incredibly expressive and versatile, with a bold personality that makes them ideal for adventurous drinkers and creative food pairings.
Is it Sweet or Dry?
Despite their golden hue, orange wines are almost always dry. The colour might trick the eye, but these wines are fermented to dryness, meaning there’s no residual sugar. If you’re looking for something dry, structured, and layered, orange wine ticks all the boxes.
What Grape Varieties Are Used?
One of the great things about orange wine is that it’s not tied to one specific grape variety. Instead, it’s all about the winemaking technique. However, certain grapes have become favourites among producers for their ability to hold up to extended skin contact. Ribolla Gialla, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat all bring expressive aromatics. Spoletino from Italy offers structure and spice. Xarel·lo from Spain, particularly Penedès, gives minerality and age-worthiness. In Georgia, the ancient grapes Rkatsiteli and Kisi have been used for millennia to make these kinds of wines in traditional clay vessels called qvevri. Each grape brings something different to the glass, and that’s part of the beauty of the style.
What Colour is Orange Wine?
Pale gold, others lean into a deep amber or copper tone. The final colour depends on the grape variety, how long the skins are left in contact with the juice, and whether the wine undergoes oxidative ageing. What they all have in common is a striking visual appeal that sets them apart from the classic white and red wine categories.
How Should You Serve and Pair Orange Wine?
Serving orange wine is all about balance. You don’t want it ice cold like a Sauvignon Blanc, or too warm like a big red. Somewhere around 10 degrees Celsius is perfect. That allows the flavours and aromas to shine without muting the wine’s personality. I recommend using a large glass to give the wine some air and space to open up. It makes a big difference. When it comes to food pairing, orange wine is a star at the table. Its tannin structure and bold flavours make it ideal for spicy dishes like Thai or Indian curries, fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut, aged cheeses, charcuterie, lamb, and even roast pork. Think of it as your go-to when white wine is too light and red wine is too much.
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