The story begins in Georgia (the country, not the US state), often referred to as the “cradle of wine.” Winemaking in Georgia dates back over 8,000 years, and orange wine was among the earliest styles produced. The technique involves fermenting white grapes with their skins and seeds, just as red wine is made. This contact with the skins gives the wine its amber or orange hue, along with bold, tannic flavours.
In Georgia, orange wine is traditionally made in qvevri – large clay pots buried underground. These pots allow the wine to ferment naturally, often for months, resulting in a rich, earthy, and slightly oxidative profile. The process is as much about tradition and culture as it is about the wine itself, with families passing down techniques through generations.
The Name: A Happy Accident
Despite its name, orange wine has nothing to do with oranges. The term was coined in the early 2000s by British wine importer David Harvey. Looking for a catchy way to describe this unusual amber-hued wine, he landed on “orange wine,” and it stuck. Before that, it was often referred to as “skin-contact wine,” which lacked the same charm.
Orange Wine Revival in Italy and Beyond
While Georgia kept the tradition alive, orange wine fell out of favour in most other regions as winemaking evolved to favour lighter, more commercial styles. In the 1990s, however, winemakers in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, began to revive the ancient method, inspired by Georgian practices. Pioneers like Josko Gravner and Radikon experimented with extended skin contact, sparking renewed interest in orange wine across Europe and eventually the world.
Why It’s Not Just Rosé’s Cousin
At first glance, orange wine might seem like rosé’s quirky relative, but the process and result are very different:
- Rosé is made from red grapes with minimal skin contact, giving it a lighter colour and a fresh, fruity profile.
- Orange wine, on the other hand, is made from white grapes with extended skin contact, resulting in bold flavours, tannins, and a completely different mouthfeel.
Think of it as a white wine with the structure and complexity of a red – a winemaking twist that’s entirely its own.
Easy Comparison:
- White = White grapes, no skins.
- Red = Red grapes, lots of skins.
- Rosé = Red grapes, short skin time.
- Orange = White grapes, long skin time.
Modern Popularity: A Niche With Appeal
Orange wine gained cult status in the early 2010s as part of the natural wine movement. Its bold flavours, unconventional appearance, and artisan story made it a favourite among sommeliers and wine geeks. It’s also become synonymous with innovation and breaking traditional wine rules, attracting adventurous drinkers.
A Wine for Rebels and Quirks
Orange wine’s reputation as “the rebel’s choice” fits its story perfectly. It’s a wine that refuses to conform, embracing its ancient roots while defying modern expectations. Whether served at a hip wine bar or a traditional Georgian supra (feast), it’s always a conversation starter. For your Wildcard family member, it’s the ideal match – quirky, unpredictable, and full of personality.
