How Is Orange Wine Made

Hey there, fellow wine enthusiasts and curious cats! Welcome to another exciting adventure into the world of wine with your friends at Black Wine Club. Today, we're spilling the secrets about the captivating and trendy orange wine. Dive into this unique processing style that has taken the wine world by storm and learn what makes orange wine so alluring, fascinating, and downright delicious!

What is Orange Wine?

Orange wine, also known as amber wine or skin-contact wine, is created using a centuries-old winemaking method that has recently gained popularity among modern wine drinkers. Do not be deceived by its name – orange wine is not made from oranges, nor it is flavored with them. In fact, it is crafted from white grapes that are processed similarly to red wine. The distinctive orange hue is a result of the extended skin-contact technique used during the fermentation process.

Orange Wine Production Process

The production of orange wine can be divided into several key steps:

1. Harvesting and destemming: Just like any other wine variety, orange wine starts its journey in the vineyard. High-quality grapes are hand-picked and thoroughly sorted to ensure only the best grapes are used in winemaking. The grapes are then destemmed, leaving only the grape berries.
2. Crushing and fermenting: The grapes are gently crushed to release their juices. Unlike in typical white wine production, the grape skins, seeds, and sometimes stems, are left in contact with the juice throughout the fermentation process. This prolonged skin contact allows the wine to absorb color, tannins, and unique flavors from the grape skins.
3. Ageing and maturation: After fermentation, the orange wine is typically aged in non-reactive vessels like amphorae, concrete, or stainless steel to preserve its unique qualities and character. The wine is usually aged anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the winemaker's preferences and desired style.
4. Bottling and storing: Once the winemaker is happy with the flavor profile and color intensity, the orange wine is bottled and stored, allowing it to continue developing its intricate and complex notes.

Orange Wine Characteristics

Orange wines possess a few unique characteristics that make them stand out among other wine varieties:

• Color: The most distinguishing feature of orange wine is its beautiful amber to deep orange hue, resulting from the prolonged skin contact (usually between four days and several months).
• Tannins: Thanks to the skin contact, orange wines have a tannic structure similar to red wines, making them more robust and complex in comparison to white wines.
• Aromas and flavors: An orange wine's flavor profile is influenced by the grape variety and the length of skin contact. Expect to encounter bold, complex fruit, nut, and floral notes, accompanied by earthiness reminiscent of a dank cellar or forest floor.
• Texture: With their increased tannin content, orange wines have a rich, grippy mouthfeel that can be rather unique and memorable.

How Is Orange Wine Made Example:

Imagine you're attending one of Black Wine Club's live electronic music and wine tasting events. The DJ sets the mood, and you're handed a glass of glowing orange wine. Raising the glass to your nose, you're greeted with a bouquet of apricot, ripe pear, toasted almonds, and a hint of white blossoms. Taking a sip, you're pleasantly surprised by its rich, gripping texture, accompanied by an enchanting mix of honeyed citrus, dried fruits, and earthy undertones. Intrigued, you can't wait to share your discovery with fellow wine lovers on your favorite wine blog!

So there you have it, folks! We've uncovered the mystery behind the enchanting orange wine that has captured the hearts and palates of oenophiles around the world. Remember to keep exploring the fascinating world of wine with Black Wine Club, and don't forget to share this article with your friends, family, and fellow wine enthusiasts. Cheers to discovering new flavors, making unforgettable memories, and living life to the fullest – with a glass of wine in hand, of course!