What Is Orange Wine and Why Is It Causing a Stir?
Orange wine isn’t a recent invention – though you could be forgiven for thinking it’s some new trend dreamed up by hip wine bars. In reality, it’s an ancient style of winemaking that has made a dramatic comeback in recent years.
Despite its name, it contains no oranges whatsoever. Orange wine is made from white grapes, but instead of quickly separating the juice from the skins (as with white wine), the skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation. This process, sometimes lasting weeks or months, gives the wine its deep amber or coppery hue and a complex, robust structure.
A Brief History of Orange Wine
The technique dates back thousands of years, originating in regions like Georgia, where clay vessels called qvevri were buried underground to ferment and age the wine. This skin-contact method was once commonplace across various cultures, but over time, more modern winemaking techniques shifted production toward the cleaner, crisper white wines we know today.
Orange wine’s resurgence has been driven by a renewed interest in natural winemaking, artisanal craftsmanship, and a thirst for something that challenges the boundaries of traditional wine categories.
Why Orange Wine Is the Drink of the Moment
Orange wine is experiencing a renaissance because it offers something rare in today’s market – authenticity. It’s bold, it’s unconventional, and it invites conversation. In a world saturated with predictable flavours, orange wine stands out as a rebel with an ancient pedigree.
It’s also highly versatile, pairing beautifully with a wide range of foods, from grilled meats to spicy vegetarian dishes. Sommeliers, restaurateurs, and home entertainers alike are embracing its ability to bridge the gap between red and white wine characteristics.
The Appeal of Forest Wines in the Orange Wine Scene
Among the many suppliers bringing orange wine to curious drinkers, Forest Wines has built a reputation for sourcing bottles that are both exciting and approachable. Their selection balances rare finds for enthusiasts with accessible options for newcomers.
Whether you’re seeking a bold, tannic amber wine or something lighter with gentle floral notes, Forest Wines ensures each bottle reflects the craft, care, and character that make orange wine so distinctive.
The Craft Behind Every Glass
Making orange wine is a labour of patience and precision. Winemakers start with carefully selected white grapes, often picked earlier to retain high acidity. Fermentation takes place with skins and sometimes seeds, imparting colour, tannin, and texture.
The vessel matters too – stainless steel tanks for freshness, wooden barrels for complexity, or clay amphorae for earthy, mineral-driven notes. The choice of fermentation and ageing vessel has a profound effect on the final taste profile.
What Makes Orange Wine Different from White or Red?
While it’s technically made from white grapes, orange wine drinks like something entirely its own. It can carry the freshness of white wine, the structure of red, and the aromatic complexity of something altogether unique.
You might notice:
- Colour ranging from golden yellow to deep amber.
- Tannins (unusual in white wines) giving a drying sensation on the palate.
- Flavour complexity with notes that can be nutty, herbal, citrusy, or even tea-like.
It’s this fusion of traits that makes orange wine intriguing to explore.
The Tasting Experience – What to Expect
Orange wine offers a spectrum of flavours and sensations. On the nose, you might detect dried fruits, honey, and wild herbs. On the palate, expect layers – the first sip could be bright and zesty, followed by a subtle bitterness or savoury finish that keeps you coming back for more.
Unlike many wines, orange wine evolves dramatically as it warms in the glass, revealing new notes and textures with every taste.
Food Pairings That Bring Out the Best in Orange Wine
Thanks to its tannins and depth, orange wine pairs with foods that might overpower a typical white. Think:
- Spicy curries and Middle Eastern mezze.
- Rich cheeses like aged cheddar or Gruyère.
- Roasted vegetables and earthy mushrooms.
- Chargrilled fish or poultry.
Its adaptability makes it a favourite for adventurous hosts looking to surprise their guests.
The Natural Wine Movement and Its Connection to Orange Wine
Orange wine’s resurgence is closely tied to the natural wine movement, which emphasises minimal intervention, organic or biodynamic farming, and fermentation with wild yeasts. Many orange wines are made without added sulphites or heavy filtration, resulting in a more authentic expression of the grape and terroir.
For many drinkers, this authenticity – the feeling of drinking something alive and unmanipulated – is part of the appeal.
Serving Orange Wine Like a Professional
While white wine is often served chilled and red at room temperature, orange wine thrives somewhere in between. Aim for a slight chill – around 12–14°C – to allow the complex aromas to shine without muting the flavours.
Choose a glass with a larger bowl, like one you might use for Pinot Noir, to give the wine space to breathe. And don’t be afraid to decant – a little air can help open up the more subtle notes.
Common Misconceptions About Orange Wine
Some assume orange wine is sweet because of its colour – it isn’t. In fact, most are dry, with a savoury or slightly bitter edge. Others think it’s a recent fad, when in reality, it’s one of the oldest winemaking styles on earth.
It’s also not a one-style-fits-all drink – some bottles are bold and tannic, while others are light and aromatic.
How to Choose the Right Orange Wine for You
If you’re new to orange wine, start with something lighter and less tannic to ease into the style. Look for tasting notes that mention stone fruit, floral aromas, or gentle spice. For seasoned wine drinkers, explore bottles that have spent months on skins for intense flavour and structure.
Forest Wines’ selection makes this easy, offering a curated range with guidance to help you find your perfect match.
Why Orange Wine Fits Every Season
While it’s often enjoyed in autumn for its warm, earthy qualities, orange wine works year-round. In summer, serve it slightly chilled with grilled seafood. In winter, pair it with hearty stews or roasted root vegetables. In spring, let it accompany fresh salads with tangy dressings.
Its adaptability is part of what makes it such a standout style – there’s always an occasion for it.
A Sip Worth Talking About
Orange wine is more than just a drink; it’s an experience. It sparks curiosity, invites discussion, and leaves a lasting impression. The first sip often leads to questions – about how it’s made, where it comes from, and why it tastes unlike anything else in the glass.
That’s its magic. It’s not just about enjoying a wine; it’s about joining a conversation that spans thousands of years, from ancient amphorae to your modern table. And if you haven’t yet tried it, the world of amber-hued, skin-contact wines is ready to pour you a glass that you won’t soon forget.
