Food FAQ: What’s the Deal with Orange Wine?

Real talk: raise your hand if you think orange wine is made with fermented oranges? We’re not judging, it makes sense. But no, orange wine is not made from oranges or meant to taste like citrus. Orange wines have been on trend lately, popping up in neighborhood wine bars and five start restaurants. So what’s the deal? We’re here to tell you. [pagebreak]

What is orange wine?

Orange wine is made the same way as red and white wines, that is it’s made from grapes. Orange wine is made out of white flesh grapes (like Pinot Grigio) and is left in contact with the skins for days, weeks, or months usually in cement or ceramic vessels (this is also why the wine is often called “contact wine”).

For comparison: red wine is made from the pulp of red or black grapes and sits with grape skins. White wine is made by fermenting the juice of crushed grapes, no skins allowed.

According to Wine Folly, the term Orange Wine was coined by a British wine importer and is used to describe a style of white winemaking that’s natural and organic – yeast or additives are usually not added. [pagebreak]

What does orange wine taste like?

Since orange wine is basically a cross between red and white wine, you get similarities from both groups, according to The Huffington Post. That means that orange wines are chilled with more tannins (what makes wine feel dry), meaning they can be paired with red meats and heavier meals.

Allegedly, orange wines can be pretty powerful stuff. According to Wine Folly, orange wines have been described as robust, big, and dry “with a sourness in their taste similar to fruit beer.” [pagebreak]

Is it really orange?

The name might be a bit of a misnomer. Unlike blue wine that is most definitely blue, orange wine can range from “bright gold to tawny brown” according to Wine Enthusiast. 

How much do they cost?

You’ll find bottles at every price range but it seems you’ll want to stick in the $20 to $35 range. And though you probably won’t find orange wine everywhere, you’ll be able to snag a bottle or two at a wholesale liquor store or big wine distributor.

Should I try it?

Sure! You only live once. Just beware, orange wine is finicky and unlike anything you’ve yet tasted. It should be served correctly (at the right temperature with the right dish) and you should have an open mind. It won’t taste like a dry white or a sweet red. It’s its own (orange) thing.