Orange wine, often referred to as "skin-contact wine," has been capturing the attention of oenophiles for its unique character and ancient winemaking techniques. While its name might suggest a fruit-derived origin, it is, in fact, white wine grapes that give Orange wine its signature amber hue. This is achieved by allowing the grape skins to remain in contact with the juice for an extended period, akin to the process used for red wines. The result? A wine that boasts a complex array of flavors, combining the freshness of white wine with the structure often found in reds. Its history traces back thousands of years to regions in Georgia, but its resurgence in modern viticulture speaks to its timeless appeal. Notably, its robust flavor profile makes it an exceptional companion for a wide variety of dishes, broadening its allure among wine lovers and gourmets alike.
Orange wine is a fascinating category of wine that bridges the gap between red and white wines. Despite the name, it doesn't contain any oranges. Instead, the name is derived from the distinctive amber or orange hue it possesses. This color is the result of extended skin contact during fermentation; when white wine grapes are left to ferment with their skins, they extract pigments, tannins, and additional flavors, culminating in a richly colored and textured wine that's brimming with complexity. This process has roots in ancient winemaking traditions and is making a marked resurgence in contemporary viticulture.
Georgia is often credited as the birthplace of Orange wine, with its millennia-old qvevri winemaking technique. However, its popularity has spread globally, with Slovenia, Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and parts of Australia and California also producing commendable versions. Each region, with its unique terroir and grape varieties, contributes to the diverse flavor profiles and styles within the Orange wine category.
Orange wines have seen a boom in popularity, especially among enthusiasts looking for something unconventional. Some sought-after labels originate from wineries like Radikon and Gravner in Italy, Pheasant's Tears in Georgia, and COS in Sicily. These wines, with their distinctive profiles, have paved the way for the growing appreciation of skin-contact wines worldwide.
While there are high-end Orange wines that come with a steeper price tag, many affordable options deliver exceptional value. Brands such as Kabaj from Slovenia, Channing Daughters in New York, and Aloi from Spain provide excellent introductions to the world of Orange wine without breaking the bank. These wines capture the essence of the skin-contact method, offering layered flavors at a reasonable cost.
Due to the tannic structure and full-bodied nature of Orange wines, they offer a versatile pairing profile. They complement a wide range of dishes, from hearty meats to ethnic cuisines like Indian, Moroccan, and Middle Eastern fare. Their robust character stands up well to spicy dishes, fermented foods, and dishes rich in umami, like mushrooms and aged cheeses. Whether paired with a spicy curry, savory tagine, or a charcuterie board, Orange wine enhances and elevates the dining experience.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.