Orange wine has been popping up on wine lists and Instagram feeds everywhere, especially in Autumn. But what exactly is it, and why is it suddenly so popular? Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a full-on aficionado, here’s your guide to understanding this amber-coloured beauty.
What Is Special About Orange Wine?
Orange wine isn’t made with oranges at all. It’s actually a white wine made like a red wine, meaning the grape skins stay in contact with the juice during fermentation. This process, called skin contact, gives the wine its deep golden or copper hue, a slightly tannic structure, and a complex, savoury flavour profile.
Expect notes of dried fruits, tea, honey, or even a gentle nuttiness, depending on the grape variety and region. It’s a style that has existed for thousands of years, with its origins traced back to Georgia (the country, not the US state!), where wines were traditionally fermented in clay amphorae buried underground.
If you’re curious about how your favourite bottle makes its way from vineyard to glass, we’ve covered the fascinating journey in our article How Do Wines Get to Your Table? — a perfect companion read to understand the process behind orange wine.
Is Orange Wine Rosé?
In short: no. Rosé is made from red grapes but without prolonged skin contact, giving it that pale pink colour and lighter body. Orange wine, on the other hand, uses white grapes and keeps them with the skins, seeds, and sometimes stems during fermentation, resulting in a completely different style.
Think of rosé as the breezy summer playlist and orange wine as the bold autumn album: richer, moodier, and with layers you want to sit with and savour. For a deeper dive into rosé styles, don’t miss our popular guide Rosé All Day: Summer Sips Beyond Provence.
Why Is Orange Wine So Expensive?
You might have noticed that orange wines often sit at a slightly higher price point on menus. There are a few reasons for this: Small-scale production – Most orange wine is made by boutique wineries in limited batches. Labour-intensive methods – Traditional skin-contact winemaking often involves natural fermentation and hands-on techniques that take time and care. Growing demand – With its cult status among sommeliers and natural wine fans, demand often outpaces supply.
That said, orange wine doesn’t have to break the bank! There are affordable bottles from regions like Slovenia, Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and even some English producers experimenting with the style.
Final Thoughts
Orange wine is a category worth exploring if you love trying something new and aren’t afraid of bold flavours. Pair it with equally adventurous food: think aged cheeses, spiced dishes, or umami-rich plates like mushroom risotto. If you’ve already explored the world of rosé and natural wine, orange wine could be your next obsession, a glass that feels both ancient and avant-garde at the same time.