Orange wine, also known as amber wine or skin-contact wine, is a type of wine made from white wine grapes where the grape skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation. This ancient winemaking technique, dating back thousands of years, originated in Georgia.
During the fermentation process, the extended skin contact gives the wine its distinctive amber or orange color, along with additional tannins and phenolic compounds. This results in a unique flavor profile that can include notes of dried fruit, honey, nuts, and tea.
Unlike conventional white wines where the skins are removed immediately after pressing, orange wines develop more complex characteristics and a fuller body due to the skin contact, making them excellent food-pairing wines.
