For some years, orange wine has gained popularity. You surely know red wine, white or rosé but have you ever heard of this fourth color of wine ?
Thanks to this article, you will discover everything you need to know about orange wine : its historical origin, its winemaking method, the food and wine pairings possible. You will see that this wine will not fail to surprise you…
Orange wine : a fashion from the United States
With the creation in the year 2000 of the name "Orange Wine", orange wine has found a real fashion in the United States. Do not mistake yourself, this wine is made from grapes… it's not wine made from orange juice !
Jenni Avins, reporter for Quartz wrote these words after tasting this drink. "The one that was in my glass […] smelled like apricot and nectarine. He was full as a red, but refreshing like a white, he knocked me out. "
What is an orange wine ?
Orange wine, also known as "amber wine from Georgia", takes its name from its color.
To obtain this wine with such a strong color, the vinification is done with whole clusters of white grape varieties. Like red wine, grape skin, the stems and seeds are macerated with the juice to bring tannins and structure to the wine. This method is called " pellicular maceration ". This is why we call these drinks maceration wines…
Orange wine is a white wine vinified like a red wine.
This skin maceration is the secret of the success of this wine.. The winemaker extracts and infuses the aromatic components into the must, grape colorings and tannins that are never found in white wine. Fermentation, with stalks and dandruff, can last up to 2 years !
Amber wine dates back to antiquity
Kvevri for the preservation of wine in Kakheti. Scientific mission of Ernest Chantre, 1881
Orange wine is more than just a fad. It has been around since antiquity and originated from Georgia : supposed cradle of wine. This wine is a return to Caucasian origins, at the border of Asia and Europe. Since antiquity, the white grapes are macerated there in buried amphorae called Kvevri, Qvevri or Kyevris, according to the transcriptions.
Today, this wine is also produced in Slovenia or Italy. Many winegrowers in France have also started to produce it.. We find it in the Loire with the Chenin, in Roussillon with Carignan or even in Alsace with Gewurztraminer. Almost all French wine regions produce it, enough to make a beautiful Tour de France !
Since there is no name recognized by the INAO, the winemaker is free to express himself fully and to offer what he considers to be the best expression of his know-how and his terroir.
Where to buy your orange wine ?
Amber wine is a wine that can't be bought on a whim. In order to take full advantage, orange wine must be purchased from a wine merchant.
Forget all those who advise you to buy it online… Choose, if possible, natural wine cellars. Indeed, this is where you will find the most choices and the best advice.
Questions to ask when buying an orange wine :
- What grape variety is used ?
- Where does the amber wine come from? ?
- What is the maceration time ?
- What is the recommended tasting temperature ?
Amber wine tasting
If you are looking for new tasting experiences, it's this wine that you should taste without waiting any longer… Whatever opinion you get from this moment, it is a wine that does not leave you indifferent !
Orange wine is drunk at 14 ° C. However, know the following : the longer the maceration, the closer the tasting temperature will be to that of a red wine.
The visual aspect of amber wine is obviously striking. Orange in color, even fawn, the wine is often cloudy since it is rarely filtered. It turns brown after long enough exposure to air.
At nose, the aromas are just as striking. Notes of dried fruits and peel characterize this unique wine.
In the mouth, the wine is often austere with present tannins and bitterness. We can perceive aromas of citrus and dried fruit, associated with roasted notes. Between freshness and aromatic persistence, orange wine stands out for its complex structure.
In general, it is textured and rich with a great diversity of style depending on the grape variety used, the maceration time and the age of the wine.
What dish can pair with an orange wine ?
Orange wine is a wine for those who want to discover new tasting experiences. It is not limited to the pleasure of the experts.
Although this wine can be paired with an entire meal, its structure and freshness allow original pairings.
They can be drink as an aperitif for the lovers of powerful wine.
For the rest of the meal, go on a trip with the world cuisine ! The best food and orange wine pairings :
- Asian cuisine and sweet and savory dishes
- Indian curry dishes
- Moroccan cuisine
- Spicy dishes
- Hard cheeses
You are now ready to discover the joy of tasting orange wine !
Do not hesitate to let me know your impressions of your experience in the comments. You can also follow your wine blog with Instagram.
