Nope, we’re not talking about mimosas.
Learn more about the enticing flavor notes and the best food pairings for this up-and-coming wine category.
Its high time we officially induct a new member to this list: orange wine.
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What is orange wine?
5PH / Getty Images
What Is Orange Wine?
Orange wine is produced in a similar manner to red wine, but uses white grapes instead.
It might sound surprising, but white grapes do have some pigment in their skins.
Its actually nothing new at all, though.
When most people talk about natural wines, what theyre referring to is low-intervention winemaking.
In that case, orange wine is produced using minimal intervention techniques and can be considered natural wine.
Orange wine production may vary significantly due to each winemakers personal style and the grapes they employ.
The most common flavor?
Believe it or not, orange!
Some orange wines taste more similar to sour beers than white wines, depending on the fermentation strategy.
The longer the skin contact, the bolder the flavor.
On the nose, Ive heard the aroma of orange wine described as a wood varnish or cabinet stain.
This is similar to the petrol aroma in Riesling, Lovenworth says.
Those other aromas might include nuts, juniper, sourdough, dried oranges, or bruised apples.
Some, but not all, orange wines can be intense, robust, and tannic.
When you try orange wines, aim to be open-minded.
Its a really unique sensory experience which will change and develop in the glass, Lovenworth advises.
So if youre not convinced upon your first impression, let it rest a minute and try it again.
It can end up being an entirely different experience.
How to Serve Orange Wine
Orange wine is best enjoyed slightly chilled.
(This holds true for all wines, actually, but temps vary.
Don’t miss our guide tothe best wine serving temperatures for all of your favorite varietals.)
Serving orange wine too cold will blunt its flavors, but too toasty wont do you any favors either.
(Alternatively, you could store orange wine in awine fridgeset to this exact temperature, if desired.)
Opt for any ingredients or recipes with complex, bold, and/or spicy flavors, like:
