Orange Wine
Orange wines have their roots in ancient winemaking traditions, dating back thousands of years to the Republic of Georgia. Today, their popularity is surging thanks to a growing appreciation for their unique taste profile, with winemakers all over the world embracing this style in their own modern take. Orange wine is made by fermenting grapes in contact with their skins and seeds, a process typically reserved for red wines. Unlike red wines, orange wines are made with white grape varieties, resulting in a fascinating fusion of flavours and textures. Additionally, the addition of the stems & seeds especially causes them to have a slight tart sour taste & nuttiness from their oxidation
There are 3 key grape varietals that stand out with historical importance for orange wines:
- Ribolla Gialla: This white grape grows in Northeastern Italy and Slovenia. Ribolla Gialla wines taste dry with bold, stewed fruit and honey aromas.
- Rkatsiteli: Found in Georgia and producing more citrus and resinous flavors in wines. Rkatsiteli wines often have a red-amber color.
- Pinot Grigio: Another Italian choice that’s often labeled “ramato”, meaning “auburn”, with a honeyed palate and a rich, red-orange color.
Read on to discover what orange wine is and why it's capturing the hearts of wine enthusiasts around the world.
