Contemporary

Orange wines

They get their name from their orange colour, but what makes them special is the way they are made: white wine grapes are processed like a red wine, i.e. the berry skins remain longer in the mash during fermentation. This gives the wine special aromas and, due to the tannins present in the skin, also a grippier texture.

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Aromatic

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What are orange wines? Are they automatically also natural wines?

Although many orange wines can be found among natural wines, this initially has nothing to do with it. An orange wine is a white wine that is made like a red wine. This means that the grape skins remain on the mash (the name given to the mash that is still fermenting, including the berry skins and pips) during fermentation, which can take several days or even a few weeks, depending on the style and desired color, before it is pressed. And this is precisely how the colour pigments contained in the berry skin create orange to amber tones in the wine.

This means that an orange wine can be made from any white wine, whether natural or not. Orange wines are therefore often also natural wines, as their winemakers want to give the wine more complexity and character through the prolonged contact with the mash. Orange wines are also called mash-fermented wines.

How does orange wine taste?

In principle, orange wines definitely taste different from classic red or white wines. Due to the longer contact with the skins, the wine acquires a somewhat rougher, grippier texture, caused by the tannins from the grape skins that are transferred to the juice in the process. Many winemakers experiment with different maceration times and thus produce extremely different, complex wines. Some aromas you will find in orange wine are candied fruits, nuts, almonds, caramel, honey and dried dates and figs, but also complex herbal and planty aromas.

Each grape also has a different colour depending on its ripeness. Aromatic grape varieties such as Gewürztraminer or Sauvignon Blanc are particularly suitable for orange wine, because the interplay between exotic aromas and longer skin contact during fermentation produces extremely special and individual orange wines.

Since orange wines taste very individually, there is something for everyone. That sounds interesting? If you're looking for something new and want to take a ride beyond conventional tastes, you're definitely in the right place with orange wines.

The texture of Orange Wines

What we call "aromas" are combinations of tactile and olfactory sensations. To understand the concept of texture in an orange wine, you should focus exclusively on its tactile quality. The texture of an orange wine (basically all natural wines) determines the timing of the development of its aromas, i.e. its rhythm.

Texture includes the elementary taste categories (sour, salty, bitter, sweet), which are essentially tactile sensations perceived on the tongue. Texture basically depends on three components: Tannins, yeast and CO2.

Tannins or tannin, which are produced in orange wines due to prolonged skin contact, make our tongues friable. But not all tannins are the same: ripe tannins are preferable to green tannins, natural tannins to artificial ones. Ripe natural tannins in a well-made orange wine move with the grace of a canoe rowing through calm waters.

Where does orange wine actually come from?

Georgia is considered the birthplace of viticulture, where wine was already being made 7000 years ago. The Georgians fermented both red and white wine in large clay amphorae. They simply packed the grapes and put them into the clay vessel. If berries from white grape varieties were put into these amphorae, the result was wine with an orange to amber hue. It probably didn't taste good, but what matters is that the foundation stone was laid here.

Our recommendations for entering the world of orange wines

Orange wines can indeed be challenging, partly due to a stronger tannin structure or bitter notes. That's why we like to offer recommendations for an optimal introduction to these exciting wines.

The Weißer Mulatschak by Meinklang is our most approachable, easy-drinking orange wine. Juicy pears and peaches surf over the palate, perfect for the summer!

The Morio by Georg Lingenfelder is like a concentrated burst of Flower Power, but without the kitsch and with a lot of juiciness. The combination of aromatic Morios with extended skin contact is something truly special.

The Riesling by Carrousel de Tete shows that Riesling is a total all-rounder. Compared to the aforementioned orange wines, it has a noticeably spicier and more complex taste, yet it also possesses a soothing floral side.

Which dishes do orange wines go with?

Ready for an exciting journey beyond the usual tastes? Orange wine is the trendsetter in the natural wine scene that challenges your taste buds and sends them on a journey. Due to the special vinification process with a longer skin contact time, extremely complex and individual flavours are created. Here are some suggestions for dishes that make an unforgettable combination with orange wines:

From Korean tacos to Mexican ceviche to Indian samosas, the experimental character of orange wine perfectly complements the intense spices and sauces of these dishes. Aromatically scented orange wines are particularly suitable for this.

Orange wine can also be a fantastic companion for vegan dishes, such as: a creamy aubergine stew, a delicately spicy cauliflower steak or a spicy tofu curry. The variety of flavours and textures in Orange wine brings out the plant-based combinations and makes for an exciting taste experience.

For seafood lovers, Orange wine offers the ideal accompaniment for seafood. Whether fresh oysters, grilled scallops or a rich seafood paella with a glass of Orange wine. The diverse flavours and fine tannin enhance the salty sea aromas and make for an unforgettable experience.

Orange wine can also go well with game dishes that have a rustic and hearty note. How about with a wild boar ragout, a roast saddle of venison or a spicy roast venison? Dark orange wines that have macerated longer on the skins are best suited for this, so that the aroma can keep up with the intense meat flavour.

So orange wines are true all-rounders in combination with creative, individual dishes and send you on a taste discovery journey beyond conventions. Cheers!

The very first Natural