Bars & Breweries

What Is Orange Wine?

Last updated on Nov 16, 2023
Kevin Singhel

One of the trendiest types of wines right now is orange wine, a wine that is not made from oranges, as the name might suggest. Instead, it gets its name from the color of the wine, which can range from a deep amber to a vibrant orange hue. Orange wine is made by allowing the grape juice to ferment on the skins for an extended period of time, as the prolonged contact with grape skins gives the wine its distinct color and flavor profile. These wines boast flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, making them great additions to your establishment’s wine list.

Use these links to learn more about different aspects of orange wine:

How Is Orange Wine Made?

Orange wine is made from white wine grapes, but the process is quite different from making traditional white wine. After the grapes are harvested, they are gently crushed and left to macerate (soak with the skin, seeds, stems, and grape juices). This maceration process can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the desired intensity of color and flavor. During this time, the grape skins release tannins, pigments, and aromatic compounds into the juice, resulting in a distinctive orange hue.

Once the maceration is complete, the juice is pressed off the skins and transferred to fermentation vessels, usually oak barrels or clay amphorae. Here, the juice undergoes fermentation, where natural yeasts on the grape skins convert the sugars into alcohol. This natural fermentation process is one of the key characteristics of orange wine, as it allows for the development of complex flavors and textures.

Orange Wine Taste

hands holding orange wine

Orange wines tend to have a rich texture and a tannic structure similar to red wines, which adds depth and complexity to the overall taste. One of the most notable characteristics of orange wine is its pronounced acidity. This acidity gives the wine a refreshing and lively quality, while also helping to balance out the wine's fuller body and intense flavors.

Is Orange Wine Sweet or Dry?

One common misconception about orange wine is that it is sweet, similar to a dessert wine. While some orange wines can have a touch of sweetness, many are actually dry. The sweetness or dryness of orange wine depends on a variety of factors, including the grape variety, the fermentation process, and the winemaker's preferences.

Orange Wine vs White Wine

In terms of taste, orange wine often exhibits a more complex and robust flavor profile compared to white wine. Orange wines also tend to have more pronounced aromas and flavors, with notes of dried fruits, nuts, and even spices. This makes them a great choice for those who enjoy exploring unique and unconventional flavors in their wine.

Orange Wine vs Red Wine

While red wines are known for their bold and robust flavors, orange wines offer a more nuanced and complex taste profile. They often have a more pronounced acidity than red wines, which gives them a refreshing and zesty quality. This acidity can be complemented by flavors of citrus, dried fruits, and even tea-like notes.

Orange Wine ABV

On average, orange wines have an ABV ranging from 12% to 15%. This higher alcohol content is a result of the extended maceration process used during orange wine production. The skins contain natural sugars that are converted into alcohol during the fermentation process, resulting in a higher alcohol content compared to white wines.

Types of Orange Wine

Orange wine on ice

Just like white and red wine, orange wine comes in a variety of styles, each with its own unique characteristics. Below, we’ve listed a few types of orange wine you’re most likely to come across:

  • Skin-Contact Orange Wine - The most common type of orange wine is made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, just like red wine. The extended contact with the grape skins gives the wine its distinct orange color and tannic structure. Skin-contact wines can range from light and refreshing to full-bodied and complex.
  • Amphora-Aged Orange Wine - Some orange wines are aged in clay amphorae, which are large, egg-shaped vessels. Amphora-aged orange wines often exhibit earthy and mineral notes, along with a silky mouthfeel.
  • Barrel-Aged Orange Wine - Similar to red wine, additional complexity and flavoring can be added to orange wine by aging it in oak barrels. Barrel-aged orange wines may have hints of vanilla and spice, along with the characteristic orange wine flavors.
  • Sparkling Orange Wine - Just like sparkling white wine, orange wine can undergo a secondary fermentation process to create bubbles. Sparkling orange wines are a fun and unique twist on traditional sparkling wines, offering a vibrant and effervescent drinking experience.

How to Serve Orange Wine

Serving orange wine is a unique experience that requires a bit of knowledge to fully appreciate its flavors and characteristics. We've outlined some of the most important factors to keep in mind when serving orange wine, allowing for the best experience possible:

  • Temperature - Like any other wine, the temperature at which you serve orange wine can greatly affect its taste. Generally, orange wine is best served slightly chilled, around 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature allows the flavors and aromas to fully develop without being overwhelmed by the chill.
  • Decanting - Orange wine is known for its complexity and depth of flavors. To fully appreciate these characteristics, it’s recommended to decant orange wine before serving. Decanting wine allows it to come into contact with oxygen, which helps to open up the flavors and aromas.
  • Serving Size - Orange wine is typically enjoyed in smaller servings compared to traditional white or red wines. A standard serving size for orange wine is around 3-4 ounces, allowing you to savor the unique characteristics without overwhelming your palate.

Orange Wine Glass

Orange wine in wine glass

To fully appreciate the nuances of orange wine, it's important to pour it into the right glass. The ideal glass for orange wine is similar to a red wine glass but with a slight twist. Designed specifically for orange wine, this type of wine glass is crafted to enhance the characteristics of the wine and elevate your tasting experience.

  • Shape and Size - Orange wine glasses typically have a wider bowl and a narrower rim compared to traditional wine glasses. This shape allows for better aeration and brings out the complex aromas of the wine.
  • Material - Orange wine glasses are often made from crystal or high-quality glass. This choice of material enhances the clarity and brilliance of the wine, allowing you to fully appreciate its color and appearance.
  • Tapered Rim - The tapered rim of an orange wine glass helps to concentrate the aromas of the wine, allowing you to fully experience its bouquet. This design feature ensures that you don't miss out on any of the subtle nuances and complexities that orange wine has to offer.
  • Stem and Base - This design allows you to hold the glass by the stem, preventing the heat from your hands from warming the wine. It also helps to maintain the optimal temperature of the wine, ensuring that you can enjoy it at its best.

Does Orange Wine Need to Be Chilled?

Unlike traditional white wines, which are typically served chilled, orange wine benefits from being served only slightly cooler. While there is no hard and fast rule, a good guideline is to serve orange wine at around 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit. This slightly chilled temperature allows the wine's aromas and flavors to fully develop, enhancing the overall tasting experience. Chilling orange wine too much can mute its flavors and aromas, causing it to lose some of its complexity.

Orange Wine Pairing

Orange wine in wine glass

Orange wine has a unique flavor profile that makes it a versatile choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. When attempting to pair orange wine with different foods, here are a few facts and ideas to keep in mind:

  • Bold and Complex Flavors - Orange wine is known for its diverse flavoring profile, which ranges from floral and fruity to nutty and earthy. These robust flavors make it a great match for equally bold and flavorful dishes.
  • Spicy Foods - If you're a fan of spicy foods, orange wine is a great choice to accompany your meal. The tannins in orange wine help to balance out the heat, while the wine's unique flavors enhance the overall spiciness of the dish.
  • Cheese and Charcuterie - Orange wine is a natural companion to a cheese and charcuterie board. The wine's acidity and tannins cut through the richness of the cheese and cured meats, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
  • Hearty Meats - Orange wine pairs exceptionally well with hearty meats such as lamb, pork, and game. The rich and full-bodied nature of orange wine complements the strong flavors of these meats, creating a truly satisfying dining experience.

Orange wine is a unique and intriguing addition to the world of wine. With its vibrant hue and distinct flavor profile, it's no wonder that this style of wine has trended among wine enthusiasts and commercial establishments alike. Whether you're a wine enthusiast looking to expand your palate or operate a commercial establishment seeking to improve your wine service, orange wine is an exciting option worth exploring.

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Slightly sweet, botanical notes of chamomile, cinnamon, cloves, and wormwood, hints of citrus, and a pleasant bitterness Types of Vermouth: Red vermouth or Italian vermouth (sweet and fruity), white vermouth or French vermouth (dry and slightly bitter) Vermouth Uses: Aperitif, cocktails like Martinis, Manhattans, and Negronis 3. Sherry Originating from the Jerez region in Spain, sherry is a versatile fortified wine with a wide range of styles. From bone-dry to lusciously sweet, there is a sherry to suit every palate. Sherry is made using a unique aging process called the solera system, where younger wines are blended with older ones to create a consistent flavor profile. This results in a complex wine with nutty, caramel, and dried fruit notes. Sherry can be enjoyed as an aperitif, paired with tapas, or used in cooking to add depth and richness to dishes. Sherry Origin: Jerez region, Spain Sherry ABV: 15% - 22% What Does Sherry Taste Like? Ranges from very sweet and fruity to very dry and nutty Types of Sherry: Fino and Manzanilla (pale and dry), Amontillado and Oloroso (amber and dry to medium-dry), Pedro Ximenez (dark and very sweet) Sherry Uses: Aperitif, dessert wine, cocktails like Sherry Cobbler and the Adonis Sherry vs Port The difference between port and sherry is their origin and preparation. Sherry, originating from Spain, is known for its wide range of styles, including Fino, Amontillado, and Oloroso, each offering a unique taste profile. Sherry is made from a process of blending wines and is often enjoyed as an aperitif or with hors d’oeuvres. Port wine, hailing from Portugal, is a sweet and rich wine with flavors of dark fruits and chocolate. It is fortified with brandy and is typically enjoyed as a dessert wine, pairing well with cheese or chocolate-based desserts. 4. Madeira Madeira is a fortified wine produced on the Portuguese island of Madeira. It is known for its unique aging process called estufagem, which involves exposing the wine to heat and oxygen. This deliberate “cooking” process gives Madeira its distinct flavors of caramel, toffee, and roasted nuts. Madeira comes in various styles, including dry, medium-dry, medium-sweet, and sweet, based on the different types of grapes used in the blending process. It is often enjoyed as a dessert wine or paired with rich, savory dishes. Madeira Origin: Madeira, Portugal Madeira ABV: 18% - 20% What Does Madeira Taste Like? Woodsy, caramel, toffee, and roasted nuts Types of Madeira: Sercial (bright and crisp), Verdelho (smoky and spicy), Boal or Bual (sweet and aromatic), Malmsey (rich and very sweet) Madeira Uses: Aperitif, digestif, paired with chicken, pork, or fish dishes Madeira vs Port While both are fortified wines, the difference between Madeira and port wine is the way they are fermented and aged. Madeira, hailing from the Portuguese island of the same name, is known for its unique aging process, which involves exposure to heat and oxygen. This gives Madeira its distinct caramelized, nutty flavors. Port, originating from the Douro Valley in Portugal, is typically aged in oak barrels and offers a wide range of styles, from sweet and fruity to rich and complex. 5. Marsala Marsala is a fortified wine from the Italian island of Sicily. It is made using a blend of indigenous grape varieties and fortified with grape spirit. Marsala comes in different styles, ranging from dry to sweet, from deep reds to pale whites. The flavor is impacted by the grapes used in the blend, often having notes of dried fruits, spices, and caramel. Aside from being served on its own, Marsala is often used in cooking to add depth of flavor to sauces, risottos, and desserts. Marsala Origin: Marsala, Sicily Marsala ABV: 15% - 20% What Does Marsala Taste Like? Nutty, vanilla, brown sugar, and apricot Types of Marsala: Ambra Marsala (amber and nutty), Oro Marsala (golden with notes of raisins and licorice), Rubino Marsala (ruby red, dry, and fruity) Marsala Uses: Aperitif, digestif, sauces and glazes, Chicken Marsala Madeira vs Marsala Madeira and Marsala are two popular types of fortified wines that have distinct characteristics and uses. Madeira wine, hailing from the Portuguese island of Madeira, is known for its rich, caramelized flavors and nutty undertones resulting from its estufagem aging process. It is often served with a meal or paired with desserts. Marsala wine, originating from Sicily, Italy, offers a more versatile profile with a range of styles, including dry, semi-dry, and sweet. Marsala is commonly used in cooking, especially in savory dishes like chicken or veal marsala, but it can also be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or dessert wine. Sherry vs Marsala Sherry and Marsala are both popular types of fortified wines made by blending grapes or wines to achieve varying flavor profiles. While both wines are fortified, Sherry is typically aged using a solera system, resulting in a more complex and nuanced taste, whereas Marsala is aged in a more traditional manner. Sherry, originating from Spain, is known for its predominantly dry and nutty flavor profile. Marsala, hailing from Italy, offers a sweeter taste with notes of caramel and dried fruit from the grape varieties used to make it. Fortified Wine FAQs Here are some of the most common questions when it comes to fortified wine: How to Drink Fortified Wine Fortified wine is a versatile beverage that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways depending on which type you choose. Follow these tips to learn how to serve fortified wine: Serve fortified wine at the right temperature. While different types of fortified wine may have different ideal serving temperatures, a general rule of thumb is to serve them slightly chilled or at room temperature. Consider using dessert wine glassware. Opt for a small, tulip-shaped glass to enhance the aromas and flavors of the wine. Enjoy it on its own or with food. Fortified wine is perfect as an aperitif or digestif, but it also pairs well with a range of foods. From cheeses and nuts to chocolate and desserts, there are countless culinary combinations to explore. How Long Does Fortified Wine Last? Fortified wine has a longer shelf life compared to regular wines. Once opened, a bottle of fortified wine, such as port or sherry, can last for several weeks, if not months. This is because the higher alcohol content acts as a preservative, helping to prevent spoilage. However, it's important to note that the flavor and quality of the wine may start to diminish after a couple of weeks. To ensure the best taste, it's recommended to consume fortified wine within a month of opening. How to Store Fortified Wine When it comes to storing fortified wine, there are a few key factors to keep in mind: Cool, dark place: Store fortified wine in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. This helps to preserve the flavors and prevent the wine from oxidizing. Upright: Fortified wine should be stored upright to minimize the risk of cork damage and leakage. Consistent temperature: It's best to store fortified wine at a consistent temperature, ideally between 55 - 65 degrees Fahrenheit (12 - 18 degrees Celsius), to ensure no change to its flavor profile. Fortified wine is a versatile and flavorful beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. With its higher alcohol content and added fortification, it offers a unique and distinct taste profile that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you're sipping on a glass of port after dinner or using Marsala to enhance a savory sauce, fortified wine adds depth and complexity to any culinary experience. Impress your guests by adding fortified wines to your bar drink menu.