Orange Wine seems like the new and exciting beverage that everyone is talking about. If you're looking for a fresh, fruity wine that's perfect for spring and summer days, look no further. Orange wine is a new take on an old favourite, as one of the oldest Natural Wines in the world and a true gem among wine connoisseurs.
What is Orange Wine?
People either love it or hate it. But what exactly is it? It's not made from oranges if that's what you're thinking. For Orange wine to get its namesake colour, the winemaker will leave the white grape juice in contact with their skins anywhere from a few days, to months, and even years in some cases.
This isn’t regular practice for white wines (the skins, seeds & stems are usually removed before fermentation). The result is a wine that’s generally more textural and tannic, and more rich and complex than a typical white.
Orange wines aren’t a new phenomenon. Traditionally, they’ve been produced for hundreds and hundreds of years, and they were integral to ancient winemaking cultures in places like Georgia & Slovenia. But they’re certainly seeing a resurgence here as younger consumers find a taste for unusual and “non-traditional” wines.
In Australia, orange wines are typically made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes or other aromatic white grapes, and sometimes you’ll find blends of three or more varieties, just to keep it interesting.
What does Orange Wine taste like?
Often times, the grapes are fermented in oak barrels, giving the wine its unique flavour, which can range from fruity to earthy and dry. The best way to describe how orange wines taste is by comparing them to other types of white wines: they're similar to a Sauvignon Blanc but have more depth than simple Chardonnays or Pinot Grigios.
The nose of this wine is bright and fruity with notes of citrus peel, apple skin, and vanilla bean—a combination that makes it perfect for pairing with charcuterie boards, roasted vegetables, and chicken dishes. A palate of honeydew melon, tangerine rinds, orange blossom honey, and white pepper gives it depth while still being light enough to drink on its own!
Best Orange Wines
Browse our selection of Orange Wines here at the Wine Collective. Choose from a variety of regions either made here in Australia or go international and grab a bottle produced in Europe.
