CENTRE COUNTY — Orange wine has become increasingly popular in recent years, though the traditional wine making technique used to make it goes back centuries. The trendy wine has been at the forefront of the growing natural wine movement and is a great starting point into the world of wine for beer or kombucha drinkers. But what exactly is this elusive wine that doesn’t actually have oranges in it?
At its simplest form, orange wine is a white wine. However, one glance at a glass of orange wine makes it clear that it is not like a typical glass of golden chardonnay or pale yellow sauvignon blanc. While standard white wines remove the skin from the grapes to ferment the grape juice and turn it into wine, orange wine is made by fermenting white grape varieties with their skins and seeds, similar to how red wines are produced.
This skin contact gives the wine its distinctive orange or amber hue and imparts a fuller body and tannic structure that is typically absent in conventional white wines. The extended skin contact also results in unique flavors, often described as funky, earthy or nutty, with a slight bitterness, which can be an acquired taste.
Orange wine is often associated with natural wine because many producers use minimal intervention, relying on wild fermentation and little to no added sulfites. This makes it popular among those who seek out natural or organic wines.
Historically, orange wine has ancient roots, particularly in regions like the country of Georgia, where winemakers have used this method for thousands of years, fermenting grapes in clay vessels called qvevri. In recent years, the style has seen a resurgence in trendy wine bars and among adventurous drinkers.
Orange wine can appeal to beer drinkers, especially those who enjoy sour or funky beers, due to its complex, slightly offbeat flavors and tannic bite, which offer a more robust and textured experience than most white wines.
A glass of Domaine Montrose Solis Lumen provides that unique drinking experience. Hailing from France, this wine is made from muscat blanc à petits grains and grenache gris and has notes of clementine, yellow apple and apricot with some natural funkiness. It retails for $13 at the Fine Wine & Good Spirits at 1682 N. Atherton St.
Though orange wine is a popular summertime sip, it also makes an excellent choice for autumn with its richer body, warm amber hues and earthy, spiced flavors that complement the season’s cozy atmosphere. Its complex, slightly oxidative taste pairs well with hearty fall dishes like roasted vegetables, stews and savory squashes. The wine’s balance of freshness and depth bridges the gap between lighter summer whites and more robust winter reds, making it perfect for cooler weather.
While the unusual taste of orange wine might not be for everyone, it certainly is a unique drinking experience that those interested in journeying into the world of wine should try.
