Your Girlfriend Guide To Orange Wines. Here's What To Know

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Once my daughter aged out of trick or treating, Halloween was no longer about candy corn and costumes — even though I used to love sharing her sweet bounty.

Now, I celebrate the holiday with my girlfriends — sipping orange wine, ranging from amber to copper-colored.

Orange wine? What’s that? These natural wines date back at least 5,000 years, originating in places as far as the country of Georgia, believed to be its birthplace. It was fermented in clay urns called "qveri" in the ancient region of Kakheti.

Known as “skin contact” or “macerated wine,” this unique, colorful and bold beverage is made from white grapes that are fermented with their skin on (most white wines are made by crushing the grapes and removing the skin before fermentation).

Rosé may be summer's must-drink, but orange wines are gaining prominence in restaurants and stores and are perfect for fall and winter (all year long, actually).

The rise in popularity of orange wines stems back more than 20 years when a segment of wine connoisseurs started preferring natural wines. At first, it seemed like a trend or a cult of drinkers who began turning away from the way wines have become overproduced; some producers even added sugar to increase alcohol levels. Our eating habits have become more natural with organic vegetables and healthier menu options, relying less on processed foods. Gluten-free and vegan dishes became common menu offerings. It was a perfect time to segue into natural wines.

“Natural wine is made without anything added to the grape juice,” says Michael Beck, Beverage Director at New York City’s legendary and award-winning Union Square Café. “Consumers are now opting for more thoughtfully produced wine, made by smaller wineries and families.”

Beck describes orange wines as vibrant in color and fun to drink. Another perk: they can be more affordable. “Similar to red wine production, the grape skins are left in contact with the juice when fermenting, developing color, aroma and tannic structure.”

This type of winemaking results in a more diverse pairing with many foods: antipasti, seafood, salads and pasta. It complements both meat and fish and is especially suited to curry and spicy Indian, Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisines, often difficult to match with traditional white wines.

Despite their color, oranges aren't involved in the winemaking process. These wines have a palette of different hues, flavors and styles.

“Orange wine can be lightly pigmented and look almost straw-like in color,” says Beck. “If the skins stay in contact with the juice longer, the color will become darker and the structure deeper.”

I have to admit, I didn’t immediately warm to orange wines. The first ones I tasted were a bit funky, and I quickly returned to my favorite whites and rosés. But soon after, the variety of orange wines exploded.

They taste more like red than white wines because of how they’re made, resulting in more tannin, a natural compound found in plants. But they have their own distinct flavor. With more options available, I I started to enjoy their bold flavors: honey-like, nutty and fruity.

Today, orange wines hail from Northeastern Italy (Friulano and Pinot Grigio grapes), Slovenia, the country of Georgia (red-orange hues), Australia, France, South Africa, Austria and right here in the United States (New York, Long Island, California).

As a wine expert, Beck always seeks out producers that he is confident can produce wines the right way. “This is where your friendly neighborhood wine shop or favorite restaurant’s sommelier can come in handy,” he advises. “Ask what they are drinking in the moment.” Let them know you’re trying something new so they can help you discover a balanced introductory wine.

Don’t feel overwhelmed when selecting. Remember that wine people love talking wine! You can begin by mentioning your favorite white grape, from Chardonnay to Pinot Grigio, clarifying what will best match your palate.

You can also start by relying on Beck’s expertise with some of his personal favorites:

· Anima Mundi “Pells” (Spain)

· Enderlie & Moll “Weiss & Grau” (Germany)

· Jolie-Laide Trousseau Gris (California)

· Eduardo Torres Acosto “Verstante Est” (Mt. Etna, Sicily)

Simply raise a glass and step back into history, giving your taste buds a new treat that is sure to become part of your regular consumption. Orange wines may be the color of Halloween, but they’re perfect for any day.

 
Have you ever tried orange wine? Would you want to? Let us know in the comments below.