What Is Orange Wine? Everything You Need To Know
What is orange wine? This is a question many people are asking these days as this unique type of wine is becoming more and more popular. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about orange wine - what it is, how it's made, and the benefits of having a glass of this or two. Now, if you're curious about this trendy new beverage, let’s get started!
What is Orange Wine?
Orange wine is made from white grapes, where the grapes’ skins are left immersed and fermented with their seeds over time, producing the deep orange color. This wine can come either as fizzy sparkling or naturally fermented/still. As for taste, an orange wine features a fruity profile with an earthy aroma.
How is Orange Wine Made?
Orange wine is made using white wine grapes processed as red wine. In traditional winemaking, the juice and skins are left in contact for several days to over a year. During this time, wild yeasts will start to grow on the grape skins, and these yeasts will convert the sugar into alcohol. This is a 100% natural process that doesn't require any additives, and it sometimes doesn't even need yeast.
The orange color produced in the wine is determined by various elements, including the grape variety, fruit ripeness, time length of fermentation with the grape skins, and the vessel used in the process (cement or ceramic).
What is the Taste Profile of Orange Wine?
Orange wine has a unique flavor that any other type of wine can't match. Some people even describe the taste as similar to dry red wines. It is fruity and earthy, with jackfruit, honey, and sourdough hints. It's also known to be quite sour and funky, which makes it so distinctive.
Orange wine also has a higher tannin content than white wines due to grape skins. Tannins are a natural compound that gives wines their dry, astringent taste. So if you're looking for a new and exciting wine to try, then orange wine is the way to go!
Where to Buy Orange Wine?
You can buy orange wine in the United States at any major grocery store or wine retailer. Trader Joe's, for example, stocks a wide selection, including a Blood Orange Rose wine. You can also choose to buy online from a variety of different retailers.
Note that orange wine is becoming more popular, so finding it at your local wine shop or liquor store may be more accessible. If you're having trouble choosing an orange wine, ask your wine merchant for a recommendation.
What are the Benefits of Orange Wine?
There are many benefits of drinking orange wine. Some of these are as follows:
- It has high antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage and diseases and reduce cancer risk.
- It's a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the risk of diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
- It's a natural probiotic which can help boost gut health.
- It has lower alcohol content than red or white wine, so it's an excellent option for people who want to enjoy a glass of wine but don't want to get drunk.
- It has an earthy flavor that pairs well with food, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or special occasions.
What are the Wine Regions that Produce Orange Wine?
Some wine regions worldwide that produce orange wine include Italy, Austria, and Romania. However, orange wines are also made in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. So wherever you find yourself on the globe, you’ll surely have options you can explore!
How to Serve Orange Wine?
Orange wine is best served at a cool temperature, around 55 °F. To achieve this temperature, simply place it in the fridge about 30 min to an hour before you plan to drink it.
Orange wine can be served in any type of glass, but it's best to use one with a broader beak so that you can smell the aromas better. This also helps release the funky flavors for you to bask in.
Conclusion
If you want to take a break from your usual red or white wine, you might want to indulge and get yourself a glass (or a bottle) of orange wine. Naturally fermented or sparkling, you can enjoy this however you prefer when you get it at your local bottle shop.
Drink up to celebrate or simply appreciate its benefits of improving your gut health and reducing certain health risks. Whatever it is, we hope this article nudges you to be a little adventurous and try orange wine to see for yourself what the fuss is all about. Cheers!
Mark Fang is a certified sommelier and has 10+ years of wine industry experience. He founded the #1 Wine Event in NYC and has started his wine blog WineO Mark to find his readers the best wine deals.
Tags
Blog posts
-
, by HARINI CHITRA MOHAN How to Elevate Your Home Bar with DIY Improvements
-
, by HARINI CHITRA MOHAN How to create a home bar with KitchenAid
-
, by HARINI CHITRA MOHAN How to Choose a Good Wine on a Budget
