What Is Skin Contact Wine

If you've been exploring the world of wine lately, you've probably come across the term "skin contact wine." But what exactly is it, and why has it become such a hot topic among wine enthusiasts? In this blog post, we'll dive into the fascinating world of skin contact wines, learn about their unique characteristics, and understand why they've become the talk of the town in the wine community.

What is Skin Contact Wine?

Skin contact wine, also known as "orange wine" or "amber wine," refers to white wines made using a technique where the grape skins and seeds are left in contact with the juice during the fermentation process. This method allows the wine to develop its distinctive color, flavor, and texture.

How Skin Contact Wine is Made

Usually, white wines are made by pressing the grapes and removing the skin and seeds immediately after the pressing process. This results in a clear juice that ferments into a wine with a lighter color and a more delicate flavor profile.

In contrast, skin contact wines are made by allowing the juice to ferment together with the grape skins and seeds for an extended period. This period can range from a few days to several months, depending on the desired outcome. The more extended contact allows the juice to extract more flavor, color, and tannins from the grape skins, resulting in a more complex and unique wine.

Characteristics of Skin Contact Wine

Skin contact wines are known for their:

1. Color: These wines usually have a deep amber or orange hue, which comes from the extended skin contact during fermentation. The color intensity can vary depending on the grape variety and the length of skin contact time.

2. Flavor: Skin contact wines often have a rich, complex, and robust flavor profile. They can exhibit flavors of dried fruit, spices, nuts, and savory herbal notes.

3. Texture: One of the most distinctive characteristics of skin contact wines is their unique texture. The extended exposure to grape skins and seeds imparts a slight tannic structure and a thicker mouthfeel, giving these wines a denser and slightly chewy sensation on the palate.

Popular Grape Varieties for Skin Contact Wine

While skin contact wines can be made from various white grape varieties, some of the most popular choices include:

- Ribolla Gialla

- Pinot Grigio

- Sauvignon Blanc

- Trebbiano

- Malvasia

What Is Skin Contact Wine Example:

Imagine you're sipping a glass of skin contact wine at one of our Black Wine Club live electronic music events. The golden-orange color in your glass catches your eye, and as you take your first sip, you're instantly intrigued by its complexity. The flavors of dried apricots, spices, and a hint of almonds dance on your palate, and the wine's unique, slightly chewy texture leaves a lasting impression.

Now that you have a better understanding of what skin contact wine is, you're ready to impress your fellow wine enthusiasts with your newfound knowledge and introduce them to a new world of flavors and textures. Make sure to share this article with your friends, and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about our upcoming wine tastings and events. With the ever-growing community at Black Wine Club, you're bound to discover even more exciting wines and learn more about the fascinating world of wine.