Baby It's a Wild World of Orange Wine

Another name for orange wine is skin-contact white wine.  It might be a better name because it’s a lot more clear.  In the Republic of Georgia, where they have been making it for 8,000 years, they just call it wine, of course.  But in the West, we like names that define.  So let’s explore some descriptive names that might help you in ordering orange wines because the selection is vast and highly varied.  Generally there are orange wines that are more fruity, with some funk, and those that are more funky, with some fruit.  The reasons for this include grape variety, time on skins, and overall winemaking intentions.  Aromatic grape varietals such as riesling, muscat, and gewurztraminer bring fruity, flowery, and festive flavors.  Neutral varietals such as chardonnay and pinot grigio tend to display the oxidative aromas of apple peel and the mouthfeel of creamy textures.  The amount of skin-contact varies greatly, from a few hours to a few days or even weeks.  Terms like “baby orange” are now emerging to express a small amount of skin-contact time or percentage of grapes used in the wine.  Starting with a “baby orange” is a great introductory experience for someone curious about the style.  If you like sour beer and natural wine and kombucha, orange wine is definitely your playground.  Countries that have been producing orange wines for centuries often allow for those more earthy, herbal, and downright funky flavors.  Georgian, Armenian, Hungarian, Slovenian, and Italian are orange wines to check out.  New world orange wines from places like California and Oregon often express the limits of both fruitiness and sour characteristics, with a sort of unleashed wildness.  Orange wines pair with a variety of bold flavored cuisines, such as cheese and charcuterie, Indian curries, Moroccan dishes, Spanish tapas, and grilled meats and fish.  Each orange wine is unique so have fun on your journey exploring!  Cheers!