Still relatively unknown just a few years ago, orange wine is increasingly winning over wine enthusiasts eager to explore new flavors. Neither white nor rosé, it has a unique character that combines freshness, structure, and aromatic complexity. Its name comes from its amber color, which can range from deep gold to coppery orange.

How do you make orange wine?

Orange wine is made from white grapes that are vinified like red grapes.

Instead of immediately separating the juice from the skins, winemakers let the white grapes macerate for several days, weeks, or sometimes several months.

This maceration provides:

Color: golden, amber, or orange highlights.

Tannins: an unusual structure for a white wine.

A rich array of aromas: dried fruits, spices, candied citrus, and dried flowers.

Grape Varieties and Their Influence

Many white grape varieties are well-suited to this method:

Gewürztraminer: very aromatic, with notes of rose, lychee, and spices.

Ribolla Gialla: the iconic grape variety of orange wines from Friuli, Italy.

Sauvignon Blanc: brings freshness and vibrancy.

Chenin Blanc: combines structure, acidity, and aging potential.

Muscat: develops intense fruit and floral aromas.

The Role of Terroir

Orange wine is now produced in many regions:

Georgia: the historic birthplace of orange wine, where wine is made in underground qvevris.

Italy: particularly in Friuli, a region that has been at the forefront of the orange wine revival.

France: The Loire, Alsace, Jura, and Languedoc regions are offering an increasing number of wines.

Central Europe: Slovenia, Austria, and Croatia also produce excellent orange wines.

Orange Food and Wine Pairings

Thanks to their structure, orange wines pair well with a variety of dishes:

Spicy cuisine: curry, Indian, or Middle Eastern cuisine.

Aged cheeses: Their firm texture pairs perfectly with bold flavors.

Vegetarian cuisine: roasted vegetables, mushrooms, and dishes with mild spices.

Fish and poultry in sauce: often surprising yet delicious pairings.

Educational Anecdotes

Did you know that orange wines are probably among the oldest styles of wine in the world? In Georgia, this winemaking method has been around for over 8,000 years. Long forgotten, it is now experiencing a true revival thanks to winemakers who seek authentic, minimally interventionist, and highly expressive wines.

At Les Grappes, we select orange wines from wineries committed to organic, biodynamic, or sustainable farming practices. Intriguing, gastronomic, and often surprising, these wines offer a unique tasting experience, ideal for wine lovers who want to venture off the beaten path.