Orange wines, with their captivating hues and distinctive flavors, have become a go-to choice for adventurous wine enthusiasts. These skin-contact wines, made by fermenting white grapes with their skins to give them an orange color, offer a sensory experience that bridges the gap between white and red wines. Ready to discover the unique characteristics and rising appeal of these wines?
Let’s dive in!

What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?

First things first: Orange wine doesn’t taste like an actual orange. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, what flavors can you expect? Well, orange wines are crafted by fermenting white grapes with their skins and seeds, a technique standard for red wine production that imparts both color and complexity. This process results in flavors and textures that are often more robust and slightly funkier than typical white wines. Tasting notes commonly include:

• Fruity Notes – Expect hints of jackfruit, bruised apple, apricot, grapefruit, or dried orange rind.
• Nutty, Floral & Herbaceous Undertones – Notes of hazelnut, almond, lemongrass, juniper, dried tea, and white flowers are common, as well as sourdough.
• Palate Experience – These wines are typically dry, with tannic structures reminiscent of red wines, and a sourness akin to certain sour beers.

The combination of tannins and acidity makes orange wines versatile companions to a variety of dishes, especially with bold or fermented flavors.

Why the Higher Price Tag?

Many people wonder “Why is orange wine so expensive?” While most orange wines won’t set you back like a fine Cabernet, they typically fall in the $20-$30 range, meaning they are pricier than the average grocery store finds. The meticulous process of creating these wines contributes to their often higher cost. The labor-intensive nature of extended skin contact, combined with the small-scale production typical of many wineries specializing in this style, leads to limited availability. Additionally, the natural and traditional methods employed in crafting these wines can increase production costs, reflecting their artisanal quality.

Not Just Another White or Rosé

While made from white grape varieties, these wines are distinct from typical white wines due to their fermentation process involving skin contact. This method imparts tannins and a richer flavor profile, setting them apart from the crisp, light characteristics of standard whites. Similarly, although both involve skin contact, these wines differ from pink wines (rosés), which are produced from red grapes with minimal skin contact, resulting in a lighter body and color.

The Rising Popularity

The resurgence of interest in these wines can be attributed to their unique flavor profiles and the growing natural wine movement. Their versatility in food pairings, especially with dishes featuring bold, spicy, and/or fermented flavors, makes them an appealing choice for both adventurous wine aficionados and casual wine drinkers looking to expand their palates.

Top 10 Recommendations

For those eager to explore, here are ten notable selections available in the USA:

1. Two Shepherds Trousseau Gris (California) – A vibrant wine from a sustainably-farmed vineyard with notes of stone fruit and grapefruit. 
2. Kivelstadt Cellars ‘Wayward Son’ (California) – Offers complex flavors of orange blossom and tea, with a vibrant amber color.
3. Bonny Doon ‘Le Cigare Orange’ (California) – A quirkily elegant wine with notes of honeycomb and dried orange peel.
4. Santa Tresa ‘Insieme Orange’ (Sicily) – A unique and fragrant blend offering an array of racy flavors.
5. Field Recordings ‘Skins’ (California) – A crisp blend offering bright acidity with flavors of peach, citrus, and marzipan.
6. Donkey & Goat ‘Stone Crusher’ Roussanne (California) – A satisfying skin-fermented Roussanne with complex flavors of orange zest, clove, and white peaches.
7. Pali Wine Co. ‘Market Price’ – Fun and lively, this zesty blend showcases orange blossom, florals, and tropical fruits.
8. Union Sacre Dry Riesling (California) – An unfined, unfiltered orange Riesling with flavors of apricot, apple, and passionfruit.
9. J. Brix Island of Souls Skin-Contact White Blend (California) – A fun skin-contact white wine from vineyards in San Diego County, reminiscent of summer in a bottle. 
10. The Wonderland Project Orange (California) – This skin-fermented Mendocino Chardonnay shines with hints of apple and apricot.

These selections showcase the diversity and depth that skin-contact wines offer, from super approachable and lively to more funky and puckery, inviting both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to embark on a flavorful journey.