Discover the Unique World of Orange Wine: History, Production, and Cheese Pairing
Orange wine is a wine made from white grapes that are fermented with their skins, the way red wine is made. The skin contact gives it an amber to deep orange colour, a tannic texture and bold flavours. It is an ancient style associated with Georgia, and it pairs well with aged, creamy and blue cheeses.
If you’re a wine lover visiting Paris, you’re probably familiar with the classics: Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. But have you ever heard of orange wine? This unique wine is gaining popularity around the world, and it offers a taste experience that’s unlike anything else. In this article, we’ll explore the history of orange wine, the production process, and how to pair it with cheese—just in time for your next wine and cheese tasting in Paris!
What is orange wine?
Orange wine is a type of wine made from white grapes, but the twist lies in how it’s produced. Unlike typical white wine, which is fermented without grape skins, orange wine is made using skin-contact fermentation. This means that the grape skins are left in contact with the juice for an extended period, often several days or even weeks. This process imparts a rich color—ranging from amber to deep orange—and a unique texture, with tannins similar to red wine.
Where does orange wine come from?
The roots of orange wine date back thousands of years. While modern winemakers are rediscovering this style, orange wine has been around since ancient times. It is believed that the first instances of skin-contact fermentation occurred in Georgia, where winemakers used large clay vessels called qvevris to ferment their wines. Over the centuries, this method spread to other regions, but it wasn’t until recently that orange wine has experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly among natural wine enthusiasts.
How is orange wine made?
The process of making orange wine is quite simple in theory but requires a great deal of attention and care. Here’s how it works:
- Harvesting: As with any wine, the process begins with the harvest of white grapes. These grapes are carefully selected for their quality and ripeness.
- Fermentation with skins: After crushing the grapes, the juice is fermented with the skins (as opposed to removing them like in traditional white wine). The skins are left in the fermentation vessel to extract color, tannins, and additional flavors.
- Maturation: After fermentation, the wine is aged for several months, often in clay amphorae, stainless steel, or oak barrels. This aging process allows the wine to develop complexity and depth of flavor.
- Bottling: Once the wine has matured and reached the desired flavor profile, it’s bottled and ready to be enjoyed!
Which grape varieties are used in orange wine?
Not all grapes are suitable for making orange wine, but certain varieties are particularly well-suited to skin-contact fermentation. Here are some of the most common grape varieties used to make orange wine:
- Chardonnay: A popular grape that adds richness and complexity to orange wine, often bringing notes of fruit, butter, and nuts.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its crisp and aromatic qualities, Sauvignon Blanc offers citrus and grassy notes, making it an excellent candidate for orange wine.
- Roussanne: A white grape that brings richness, floral notes, and a honeyed character to orange wine.
- Pinot Gris: This grape provides a perfect balance between fresh fruit and rich texture, often with hints of pear, honey, and spice.
- Muscat: A highly aromatic grape, Muscat adds floral and tropical fruit flavors, which intensify with skin contact.
- Trebbiano (Ugni Blanc): Widely planted in Italy and France, this grape gives a crisp and refreshing profile, ideal for orange wine production.
How do you pair orange wine with cheese?
Orange wine’s tannins and bold flavors make it a fantastic pairing for cheese. The wine’s unique texture and acidity can cut through creamy, fatty cheeses while complementing the more intense flavors of aged or blue cheeses. Here are some cheese pairings for orange wine:
| Cheese | Why it works with orange wine |
|---|---|
| Aged Comté | Its nutty, rich flavor complements the depth and complexity of the wine |
| Mimolette | Its sharp and tangy flavors pair with the wine’s acidity and fruitiness |
| Blue cheese | Its strong, tangy flavors contrast with the richness of the wine |
| Brillat-Savarin | Its creamy texture balances the wine’s texture and tannins |
| Goat cheese (such as Crottin de Chavignol) | Its tanginess enhances the bright, fresh notes of the wine |
To go further, read my French cheese and wine pairing guide, the best wines for a cheese tasting in Paris, and the right serving temperature for orange wine.
FAQ
Is orange wine made from oranges?
No. Orange wine is made from white grapes. The name comes from its colour, which it gets from fermenting the juice with the grape skins.
What does orange wine taste like?
It is bolder and more textured than white wine, with tannins similar to red wine. The exact flavours depend on the grape variety and on how long the skins stay in contact with the juice.
What is the difference between orange wine and white wine?
Both are made from white grapes. White wine is fermented without the skins, while orange wine is fermented with them, for several days or even weeks.
Which cheese goes with orange wine?
Aged Comté, Mimolette, blue cheese, Brillat-Savarin and goat cheese all work. The wine’s texture and acidity cut through creamy cheeses and stand up to stronger ones.
Ready to taste French wine and cheese in Paris?
Now that you know a bit more about orange wine, come and taste French wines and cheeses first-hand. The tasting lasts 2 hours and includes 8 raw-milk French cheeses and 5 French wines (including one sparkling), for a maximum of 12 guests, at €69 per person. Every tasting is hosted in English by a trained cheesemonger or sommelier at 98 Rue Marcadet, 75018 Paris (Montmartre, metro Jules Joffrin, line 12), and every direct booking comes with 1 free bottle of wine (2 for groups of 6 or more).
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