Orange Wine: Past, Present & Future
Orange wine can be a new concept for a lot of people and as it’s made with grapes and not oranges.
Made using ancient methods that date back to Georgian times, around 6000 years BC. Orange wine is made with white wine grapes in the way that you would typically make red wine. These wines have more tannin, more structure and slightly different flavours from traditional white wines.
If you’re intrigued read more below…
How is it made?
Orange wine, also known as amber or skin-contact white wine, is made from white grapes using red wine-making techniques. In its production, white grapes are kept in contact with their skins for an extended period of time, usually between a week and a year rather than being pressed and separated immediately. The resultant wine is fuller in body, darker in colour, and has greater flavour, tannin and texture.
As with red wine, extraction methods, frequency and duration are all key important as wine skin contact duration is an important decision that affects the flavour, tannin and colour profile of the wine. At a chemical level, the duration of skin contact can affect the extraction of compounds such as polyphenols.
Where does it come from?
Orange wine is considered a traditional style of wine as it is thought to be reminiscent of the ancient style of wine made in Georgia ~ 6000 BC. Archaeologists found evidence of grape seeds in large clay pots which were used as winemaking vessels. These vessels include amphorae or quevri’s, which can be buried underground or kept above ground for fermentation.
Georgia, and other countries in close proximity, such as Slovenia and Italy, share this ancient production method, which due to modern winemaking techniques and focus on quantity not quality lead to its hibernation for some time. In the last 5 years, orange wines have been making a resurgence and many wine lovers have been embracing these more “funkier” styles of wine. Josko Gravner in Fruili, Italy, has been making orange wine since 1998 and has been pathing the way for other producers.
A beautiful inspiring story about Josko is that he was making some of the most acclaimed wines in Italy and travelled to California to get some more ideas and inspiration. Returning from his trip he said he really learnt what not to do, and started making wines in the traditional way, to the huge outrage of his customers.
What’s happening now?
More recently, wine bars, independent retailers and restaurants have now given orange wine a place on their menu. Within the UK, Orange wine is becoming more mainstream, and the UK’s largest specialist wine chain Majestic is stocked its first orange wine as of December 2020. I think as we start to find our new wine culture and become more daring and curious, orange wine will continue to grow and become more popular.
Where can I read more?
My favourite book is by Simon Wolfe - The Amber Revolution.
