What is orange wine?
It’s a “skin-contact” white wine. Mashed white wine grapes are allowed to ferment with the skins, which lends the final product its signature hue (the same way rosé is made with red-wine grapes). Sometimes orange wine is referred to as “amber” or ramato (Italian for “auburn”).
Does orange wine have oranges in it?
Despite its name and color orange wine does not contain oranges. The name orange denotes color not flavor in the same way that rosé means a blush pink—not a flower flavor.
What does orange wine taste like?
If rosé is the lighter side of red wine, orange wine showcases the bolder side of white wine. Some orange wines can be light and refreshing, says Choi, but many are robust, often with notes of nuts, citrus and tropical fruit. Generally, the deeper the color, the bolder the flavor.
What foods does orange wine go with?
Orange wine is a tasty match with big-flavor foods. “It’s a great barbecue wine,” says Choi. Serve it with grilled meat (especially lamb), spice-rubbed salmon or barbecued chicken. It’s also nice with a charcuterie board or spicy Asian fare.
What’s a good orange wine to try?
You have more options than ever. Orange wine originated thousands of years ago in the country of Georgia. Thanks to its newfound popularity, winemakers all over the world are producing it. Choi likes California-made Donkey & Goat’s 2020 Ramato Pinot Gris ($30, donkeyandgoat.com).
