Orange Wine: What Is It?

The production process

The production process for orange wine starts with harvesting the grapes. Then, they are pressed, and the juice is put into fermentation tanks or large barrels. The juice will ferment with the skins, seeds, and stems for an extended period of time, typically anywhere from a few days to several months. This extended skin contact gives the wine its ‘orange’ colour (depending on the colour of the skin of the grape) and tannic structure.

After fermentation, the wine is aged for a period of time, which can range from a few months to several years depending on the producer and style of wine. It can be aged in a variety of vessels including: oak, acacia, chestnut barrels, stainless steel tanks, amphorae or even buried in clay vessels called qvevri.

Finally, the wine is bottled and may be further aged before it is released for sale.

This type of wine can be known to be earthy, more structured and sometimes wine lovers find it challenging, but many are rewarded by the complexity and depth in flavour.

Our favourites

The Radikon family is well-known for their talent in making orange wine in Friuli. Their wines are expressive and super complex, sometimes fermented with the skins for more than three months. SIVI is one of our favourites; pinot grigio with a beautiful pink colour and extremely seductive.

Another producer who is well known for its orange wines in our store is Fongoli. Based in Umbrië, making crisp and elegant orange wine that is suitable for every wine lover. Biancofongoli is the perfect wine for all year round with its refreshing herbal notes and fine acidity.

10 Interesting facts about orange wine

• Orange wine is often produced using traditional winemaking techniques that were used thousands of years ago, such as fermentation in clay vessels or qvevris.
• The use of skin contact during fermentation gives orange wine its unique flavor profile, as well as a slightly tannic mouthfeel.
• It is often made from grape varieties that are not commonly used for white wine, such as Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer.
• The natural and organic methods used in producing orange wine can result in a wine that is lower in alcohol and sulfites compared to conventional wines.
• The aging potential of this wine can vary depending on the grape variety and winemaking techniques used, but some orange wines can age for up to 10 years or more.
• Orange wine is often produced in small quantities and is generally more expensive compared to conventional white wines.
• The trend towards natural and organic winemaking has contributed to the growing popularity of orange wine, as consumers seek out more sustainable and eco-friendly wine options.
• Orange wine is often associated with the “slow wine” movement, which emphasizes the importance of terroir, minimal intervention, and sustainability in winemaking.
• Some winemakers are experimenting with hybrid winemaking techniques, such as blending orange wine with traditional red wine or sparkling wine.
• Orange wine has gained a following among sommeliers and wine enthusiasts who appreciate its unique flavor profile and food pairing versatility.