Orange wine is a type of wine made from white wine grapes that have been fermented with the skins, giving the wine a distinctive orange or amber color. This method of winemaking is sometimes referred to as "skin contact" or "maceration," and is similar to the way red wine is made. Once upon a time white wines were made only like this as there was no technology to immediately separate, surgically, musts and skins.
During the fermentation process, the skins of the grapes are left in contact with the juice for an extended period of time, ranging from a few days to several months. This allows the wine to absorb more tannins, flavors, and aromas from the skins, resulting in a wine with a complex and rich character. Orange wines may also have a slightly oxidative quality, with flavors that are reminiscent of dried fruits, nuts, and honey.
Orange wine is a relatively new style of wine (from a modern perspective – it is really quite ancient, originating near the present-day country of Georgia thousands of years ago) that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among natural wine enthusiasts and those who are looking for unique and unconventional wines. It is produced in several regions around the world, including Italy, Slovenia, the United States, and Georgia, of course, among others.
Pairing orange wine with food can be a fun and creative experience, as the unique flavors and textures of the wine can complement a wide variety of dishes. Here are some general tips for pairing orange wine with food:
- Pair with bold, flavorful dishes: Orange wines tend to have a complex and intense flavor profile, so they pair well with dishes that have a lot of flavor and texture. Examples might include roasted meats, hearty stews, and spicy dishes.
- Consider the origin of the wine: Orange wines are produced in a variety of regions around the world, and the flavors and aromas of the wine can be influenced by the local terroir. Consider pairing the wine with dishes that are traditional to the region where the wine was produced.
- Think outside the box: Because orange wine is a relatively new and unconventional style of wine, there are few hard-and-fast rules for pairing it with food. Don't be afraid to experiment with unexpected flavor combinations and try pairing orange wine with dishes that you might not normally associate with wine.
- Experiment with cheese: Orange wine can be a great pairing with cheese, particularly strong, aged cheeses with a nutty or earthy flavor. Try pairing orange wine with cheeses such as Parmesan, Roquefort, or Gouda.
- Consider the tannins: Orange wine can have a significant amount of tannins, which can affect how the wine pairs with food. As a rule, tannic wines tend to pair well with rich, fatty dishes, as the tannins can help to cut through the richness of the food.