Orange Wines

While I've previously touched upon orange wines in the context of natural winemakings, recent tastings and discussions reveal a persistent cloud of mystery surrounding these captivating amber-hued beverages. Let's delve deep into the heart of orange wines, demystifying their unique characteristics and production methods.

Orange wines, also known as amber or macerato wines, are not simply white wines with a darker shade. They represent a distinct category, born from white grapes vinified using red winemaking techniques. This involves fermenting the grape juice with the skins for extended periods – ranging from days to months, even years. This crucial skin contact differentiates them from traditional white winemaking, which separates juice from skins immediately. This extended maceration imparts not only a deeper color – hence the "orange" designation – but also tannins, a characteristic typically associated with red wines. The longer the fermentation, the deeper the color and tannin structure.

Orange wines defy the expectations of typical white wines. They offer an intensely aromatic nose and a palate far richer and more complex. The refreshing crispness of a classic white or rosé is often replaced by a robust structure and, in longer macerated examples, noticeable tannins. These tannins often necessitate bottle aging, mirroring the aging process of red wines, to achieve optimal softness and drinkability. In essence, orange wines share more similarities with red wines in terms of structure and complexity, albeit with a unique amber hue. They excel when paired with rich and complex dishes and are best served at a slightly warmer temperature (12-14°C) than traditional whites.

As previously mentioned, the majority of orange wine producers embrace natural winemaking principles, eschewing added yeasts and often opting for fermentation in traditional vessels like cement or terracotta amphorae, the latter experiencing a resurgence in popularity. This artisanal approach echoes ancient winemaking traditions, long before the advent of modern, more approachable white wine production.

The contemporary orange wine "revolution," if it can be called such, originated in the northeastern Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region already renowned for its "superwhites," a counterpoint to the famed Supertuscans. This movement has now spread across Italy and the globe, with producers worldwide embracing this unique winemaking style. This revival represents a return to ancient methods, previously sidelined in favor of more conventional white wine production.

While the global trend toward orange wines is undeniable, crafting great examples is a challenging art. Balancing tannins and freshness, especially within the constraints of natural winemaking, requires expertise and precision. Just like the finest Barolo or Brunello di Montalcino, well-crafted orange wines possess remarkable depth, structure, longevity, and food pairing versatility. They are not merely an alternative to white wine but a distinct and compelling category in their own right.

Discover the captivating world of orange wines and embark on a sensory adventure. Browse our carefully curated selection of orange wines and experience the unique charm of these amber-hued treasures.