What is orange wine?

Orange wine, also called orange wine, is a wine style that is becoming increasingly popular, especially within the world of natural wine.

But what exactly is orange wine, and why is it so different from white wine?

In short:
orange wine is white wine made with skin contact.

How is orange wine made?

In classic white wine, the skins are removed immediately after pressing.
With orange wine, the opposite happens:

• white grapes

• fermentation with skins

• sometimes days, sometimes weeks or longer

This method of winemaking has been used for centuries, among others in Georgia, Italy, and Slovenia.

What do you taste in orange wine?

Through skin contact, orange wine acquires characteristics normally found in red wine:

• more structure

• light tannin

• spicy and savory flavors

• often less emphasis on fresh acidity

Typical flavor associations are:

• dried herbs

• orange peel

• nutty

• sometimes a slight bitterness

Because of this, orange wine is often more gastronomic than white wine.

Is orange wine always cloudy or “funky”?

No.
Orange wine is not a fixed taste, but a style.

You have:

• light, refined orange wines

• and deeper, more powerful variants

Some are crisp and elegant, others pronounced and wild.
Just like with natural wine in general.

What do you drink orange wine with?

Orange wine is best enjoyed at the table.

Delicious with, among others,

• Middle Eastern dishes, Asian dishes

• roasted vegetables

• mushrooms

• hard cheeses

Dishes with herbs, umami or roasted notes match well with the structure of orange wine.

What is the difference between orange wine and white wine?

The main difference lies in:

• skin contact

• structure

• mouthfeel

Where white wine often revolves around freshness, orange wine is more about grip and texture.

That is why orange wine often falls exactly between white and red.

Why does orange wine go so well with natural wine?

Orange wine fits perfectly with the philosophy of natural wine:

• minimal intervention

• focus on grape and terroir

• little or no additives

It is not a trend, but a return to an old way of winemaking.

Discover our orange wine

In our assortment you will find different styles of orange wine:

• light and elegant

• spicy and gastronomic

• deep and pronounced

Whichever you choose:
orange wine invites you to taste, pair and discover.

Also read: What is pet nat? and our wine pairing advice