Your Go To Guide to the Best Orange Wine

Let’s start by clarifying something: orange wine is not made from oranges. 

Orange wine or amber wine is a unique type of wine that’s made from white grapes through methods similar to red winemaking. Typically, this type of wine is made by fermenting white wine grapes with their skins. 

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes orange wine special, how it compares and differs from rosé, and help you find the best orange wines to try.

Maturana Wines Naranjo Torontel Loncomilla 2022

What Is Orange Wine?

Orange wine is a white wine that’s made like a red wine. Instead of removing the grape skins right away, winemakers leave them in contact with the juice. This process is called skin contact.

Leaving the skins adds color, tannins, and flavor. That’s why orange wine can look golden, copper, or amber. To taste, it feels richer and fuller than most white wines.

How Is Orange Wine Made?

While white wines are typically made with minimal grape skin contact to preserve freshness and create a light texture. 

Here’s how the process works:

1. White grapes are harvested and crushed
   

2. The juice, seeds, and skins are left together
   

3. Natural or added yeast starts fermentation
   

4. The wine is aged in clay pots called amphora or qvevri, barrels, or steel tanks
   

5. It is bottled with little or no filtering
   

The longer the skins stay in the juice, the deeper the color and stronger the taste of the resulting orange wine. Some winemakers leave them for days, and others for months.

What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?

Some of the best orange wines taste bold and dry. They are rarely sweet and have more texture than white wine and more spice than rosé. 

Some common tasting notes include:

• Dried fruit like apricots or orange peel
  

• Nuts like almonds or hazelnuts
  

• Herbs and spices like clove or tea
  

• A touch of funk

Orange wine pairs well with a wide range of foods, especially spicy foods. Try it with curries, roasted meats, seafood, or even cheeses (bold cheeses pair especially well).

Best Orange Wines from Around the World

These are some of our top picks of the best orange wines in the world today. The wines on this list come from both new winemakers and old family vineyards. 

Here are a few top choices:

1. Maturana Wines Naranjo Torontel (Loncomilla)
   The Maturana Wines Naranjo Torontel orange wine is vinified in concrete eggs, which results in orange wine with floral and tropical fruit notes. 

2. Big Salt Orange Rosé 2023 (Oregon)
   Made from skin contact white wine. Notes of small citrus, ginger, white flower and tropical fruits.
   

3. Echeverria Sauvignon Blanc No Es Pituko Orange Valle del Curico 2023 (Chile)
   Big and dry. Notes of orange peel, hazelnut and sourdough.
   

These wines show the range of styles in orange wines from around the world. From bold and rustic to light and clean notes there is something for everyone.

Orange Wine vs Rosé: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse orange wine with rosé, but orange wine and rosé wine are not the same. 

Here’s a quick comparison:

If you want something with a little punch and some spice, definitely choose orange. If you want easy and chill, rosé can be an easy pick.

Why Orange Wine Is Trending Now

Orange wine is gaining fans all over the world. Here’s why:

• It uses old, traditional winemaking methods
  

• It has bold flavors not found in most other wines
  

• It pairs well with a wide range of food, particularly spicy foods
  

• It looks cool and different
  

Note: Many people enjoy the rustic feel and surprise of orange wine. It challenges your taste buds and adds variety to your wine choices.

Tips for Enjoying Orange Wine

If you’re new to orange wine, here’s how to enjoy it best:

• The ideal serving temperature for orange wine is 55°F–60°F
  

• Use a glass with a wide bowl, but any wine glass will do
  

• Let it breathe for around 15–30 minutes before sipping
  

• Take small sips and notice the layers
  

• Pair it with roasted meats
  

Where to Buy the Best Orange Wines

You can find orange wines at wine shops, online stores, and natural wine bars. Look for wines from Spain, Georgia, Slovenia, and Italy. Spanish orange wines offer great value and variety.

Check labels for terms like:

• Skin contact
  

• Natural wine
  

• Unfiltered
  

• Amber wine
  

Many small producers make orange wine, so it’s worth trying new names. Shop the best high-quality orange wines from Community Wine and Spirits. 

Final Thoughts on Orange Wine

With rich flavor, deep color, and a rustic feel, orange wine stands out in a world of primarily reds, whites, and rosés.

Understanding the differences between orange wine vs rosé wine  is great for beginners looking to try a new wine that is best suited for you based on your taste. Orange wine is perfect if you want something with body and bite. Rosé is best when you want something light and easy.

Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious, orange wine is worth a try. Pour a glass, take a sip, and discover a whole new side of wine.