Orange wine isn’t made from oranges!!!!!
We all know orange wine isn’t actually made from oranges, but did you know orange wine is the big sister of skin-contact white wine?
Skin-contact white and orange wines are techinically synonyms. All orange wines are skin-contact whites but is it correct the other way round?
Skin-contact white wines let the skins party with the juice for a brief short time (a few hours to a few days, depending on the winemaker). This short skin contact adds a touch of color and flavor, on the other hand, it’s orange wine that takes things to the extreme.
𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝘂𝗲: ranging from a tangerine dream to a deep amber, depending on the grape variety, skin contact time, and fermentation technique.
𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝘀: orange wines surprise your palate with tannins – those mouth-drying sensations you get from reds. This gives them a fuller body and a touch of spice.
𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿: While skin-contact whites have a brief skin encounter, orange wines go all in, fermenting with the skins for weeks or even months. This results in a richer, more complex flavor profile with notes of dried fruit, flowers, and even a hint of earthiness.
Think of orange wine as a white wine with a red wine attitude. It can be light and refreshing like a white, or bold and grippy like a red.
The best way to understand orange wine is to experience it firsthand! So ditch the stereotypes and embrace the adventure! Orange wine might just become your new favorite 🕶️