Orange wine - or “Amber Wine” - has taken high end cocktail bars and quirky bottle shops by storm over the course of just a few years, begging the question, what is it and why has it suddenly got a vice grip on the world of fine wine? Could it be the next Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio? Today we aim to inform, dispel some myths, and hopefully explain just what orange wine is and why you need it in your life.
Many distributors have reported skyrocketing sales in recent years and this trend is predicted to continue and propel orange wine into the halls of wine fame. As consumers (that’s you!) become more privy to new wine styles, and more conscious of the things they put into their body, it seems orange wine is here for the long haul with producers boasting organic processes and a very real devotion to biodiversity and environmental protection.
One can expect wines all along the spectrum with notes of tropical fruits, citrus, honey, orange blossom and so much more. We’ll delve into exactly what makes orange wine tick a little later. For now, we ask the question:
Is Orange Wine for You?
It is disingenuous to associate orange wine with any category other than its own. With a unique history and a complex flavour profile, it’s best to take orange wine as its own product, rather than comparing it to red or white wine. It’s good to get an idea of what you’re in for when trying something totally new. Therefore, Orange Wine might be for you if:
You want to try something new.
You want something a little different for your summer get-together.
You prefer wines that are additive free and organic.
You’re looking for a wine rich with antioxidants.
You enjoy particularly tropical, citrusy and tannic wines.
You love dry wines. Sweet Orange Wines exist, but typically they are unsweetened and often have more in common with a dry white wine on the palette than anything else.
Orange wine for beginners
The first thing you should know about Orange Wine, is that it is not a flash in the pan, fad or trend. In fact, it comes from an ancient technique that has been resurged, revamped and rebranded. It’s actually thousands of years old and emanates from ancient winemakers in the country of Georgia. Roots can also be found in Italy and Slovenia, but these days, Orange Wine is made all over the world. The point we’re trying to make is, Orange Wine is here to stay.
Another myth we simply must dispel is the common misconception that Orange Wine, with its orange sunset hue, is orange flavoured. What actually differentiates Orange Wine from white wine production is that during fermentation, the skin of the grapes is left on, and leaves a tint on the final colour of the wine. Some wines might have notes of orange peel, but that has more to do with the winemaker's masterful use of tannins than it does any kind of inclusion of real orange.
The “grape skin contact” method of wine production creates a delightfully bright, sharp wine with endless variety depending on the style of white wine grapes used. Many orange wines are considered to be “natural wine”, or “low intervention wine” to coin a winemaker's term. All this means is that the wines are made from fermented grape juice and not altered after the fact - this means no additives and a more pure, fermented flavour profile.
Typically, Orange Wine should be served in your favourite wine glass, preferably chilled, at around 10 degrees celsius.
So now you know what orange wine is and where it comes from. Now we ask the all important question of what to drink? There are new orange wines popping up every single day and a definitive catalogue is impossible, but just to start you off, here are some great bottles you can get your hands on:
Domaine Lafage Taronja de Gris
Toronja is the Catalan word for orange, paying homage to this producer's rich Catalan heritage. This blend of three grapes is aged in oak for six months and boasts heavy peach, tropical fruit, bitter citrus and peppercorn on the palate. A fine example of the versatility of orange wine, to be enjoyed alongside all manner of dishes, and works incredibly well as an aperitif. It has a fresh, persistent finish that will leave you wanting more…
Size: 750ml
ABV: 14.5%
Find here: Noble Green Wines - £26.50
Kakhuri No. 8
If you’ve read this far, you should know by now that Orange Wine is traditionally from Georgia. This excellent bottling is a blend of four grapes indigenous to the historic region - Rkatsiteli, Kakhuri Mtsvane, Khikhvi and Kisi. Grapes are hand selected for a rigorous quality control process, and are allowed to age with the wine six months after fermentation resulting in a wine that is as fresh as it is funky; deeply aromatic with dried apricot and nutty notes. Enjoy this one cool, not cold.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: ND John - £13
Denbies Orange Solaris
Produced in the independently run Denbies Wine Estate, this historic vineyard has crafted an award winning British Orange Wine from 100% Solaris grapes, hand-picked and made almost exactly in the same fashion they would make their red wine offerings. The white wine grapes provide a fresh pineapple quality on the nose, yet this fantastic wine is bold enough to stand up to a perfect pairing with spiced foods. Expect lychee, tropical fruits and pomegranate in this delicious bottle. Also, fun fact - Denbies is the first UK vineyard to be carbon net zero!
Size: 750ml
ABV: 12.5%
Find here: Grape Britannia - £27.49
Glekhuri Kisi Qvevri
Want a taste of something truly traditional? This Georgian wine is made from 100% Kisi grapes, which are the closest thing to a traditional orange wine grape. With over thirty years in the winemaking industry culminating in this refreshing and classic example of skin-contact wine. This deeply tannic and structured Orange Wine expression is fermented underground for two weeks. On the palate, expect citrus fruits, walnuts and toasted oak. This is a fantastic introduction to the historic Orange Wines of Georgia.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Find here: Hedonism Wines - £27.30
Denbies Orange Vermouth
Now for something a little different, in the interest of showcasing just how versatile the world of Orange Wine can be, from the makers of the aforementioned Solaris comes this delightfully complex vermouth using the Solaris grape skin pressings. The result is a crisp, dry aperitif that is fantastic on its own but also brilliant in a cocktail. Try in a dry gin Martini or in a hi-ball with soda.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 18%
Find here: Denbies - £26
Orancio Savoia
From the makers of aperitif powerhouse Italicus comes this fantastic expression using orange wine as its base. Inspired by the flavours and spices Marco Polo may have come across during their voyage through the silk roads of Asia. The harmonious combination of spices and citrus fruits with a traditional orange wine makes for a completely unique aperitif that evokes the spirit of adventure one might find in the Italian drinks industry. Enjoy over ice or in a classic spritz cocktail.
Size: 500ml
ABV: 17.2%
Find here: The Whisky Exchange - £21.95
Still not convinced? Well, why not try something a little bolder and explore this list of Eight Tannat Wines You Need to Try.
By Miley Kendrick
