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What is orange wine?

We all know about red wine, white wine, rosé wines, but did you know there’s also orange wine?

Orange wine has been around for thousands of years and it has become increasingly popular over the last couple of years. This is partly driven by its popularity on TikTok, where younger drinkers share their experiences with the wine. Often considered to be halfway between red wine and white wine in style, it’s packed with layers of complex, delicious flavours, making it a refreshing alternative to your usual choice.

Read on to discover how orange wine is made and why you should give it a try.

What is orange wine?

Orange wine is a unique, full-bodied wine that’s rich in character (and has nothing to do with oranges).

It’s named for its stunning amber colour that comes from fermenting white grapes with their skins, similar to how red wine is made. This process adds a strong, textured flavour, bridging the gap between the refreshing qualities of white wine and the complexity of reds. It’s an excellent choice for those who love trying new flavours and appreciate traditional winemaking.

Orange wine is enjoyed worldwide, including in Australia. Winemakers in regions like the Adelaide Hills, Margaret River and parts of Victoria are creating this style of wine, experimenting with different grape varieties and techniques.

Is orange wine a new style?

Even though it’s recently become popular again, orange wine has a long history dating back 8,000 years to the ancient winemaking traditions of Georgia. There, winemakers made wine in large clay vessels called qvevri and then buried them underground to keep the wine at stable temperatures. These ancient artisans fermented white grapes with their skins and seeds, a method that naturally led to the creation of what we now call orange wine.

The practice then spread across the Caucasus region and into parts of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. Although orange wine fell out of fashion with the rise of modern winemaking techniques, it’s now experiencing a comeback.

Regions like Italy – particularly Friuli Venezia Giulia – and Slovenia have become well-known producers of orange wine. In addition to Australia, countries such as South Africa and the United States have also begun exploring this unique wine style.

How is orange wine made?

Orange wine starts with white grapes, which are fermented with their skins and seeds still intact. This allows the grape juice to absorb tannins, colour and complex flavours from the skins. Typical grape varieties used to make orange wine include Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat and Gewürztraminer.

Many orange wine producers also embrace natural and low-intervention methods, such as wild yeast fermentation and minimal additives. This results in a wine that’s not only vibrant in colour but also rich in complex aromas and flavours.

The use of clay vessels or old oak barrels for fermentation and aging adds to the wine’s unique characteristics. The result is a wine with a rustic charm and balanced complexity.

Why is orange wine so popular?

Orange wine is gaining popularity for several reasons that appeal to today’s wine enthusiasts. Many people are eager to try new styles, and orange wine offers a unique taste experience. Its rich history also attracts those who value traditional winemaking methods and the stories behind their wine.

Additionally, the wine’s beautiful colour is not only unique but also photogenic, much like rosé. Its striking amber hue stands out on shelves, and social media has played a big role in its growing popularity, as wine lovers and influencers share eye-catching images of their glasses, encouraging others to try it.

What does orange wine taste like?

Orange wine is often rich and layered, with flavours of juicy stone fruits, citrus, nuts and a subtle earthiness. It also has a hint of minerality, adding to its refreshing quality.

Typical flavour notes to look for in your orange wine might include:

Apricot
Peach
Orange zest
Orange rind
Almond
Hazelnut
Black tea leaves
Honey
Clove
Ginger
Beeswax

Its aromas are complex and rich, with layers of dried fruit, flowers, herbs, nuts, bread and a distinctive savoury note that reminds many wine lovers of sherry, a fortified wine from Spain.

Look for these aromas in your wine:

Raisins
Dried peaches
Orange blossom
Chamomile
Sage
Hay
Honey
Walnut
Freshly baked bread

How should I serve orange wine?

Serving orange wine the right way can enhance its unique flavours and aromas, making it even more enjoyable.

Chill the wine beforehand and serve it around 10-13°C. This temperature allows the wine’s complex flavours and aromas to shine without being masked by its refreshing chill. Use a large, bowl-shaped red wine glass to serve it. This shape helps the wine breathe, releasing its intricate aromas.

The glass also provides a large surface area for the wine’s bouquet to develop fully and directs the wine to the right parts of your palate to enhance the taste.

Orange wine’s versatility makes it suitable for various occasions, such as a dinner party, a summer picnic or a barbecue.

What foods can I pair with orange wine?

With its bold and complex character, orange wine pairs wonderfully with dishes with strong, rich flavours.

Fish and seafood dishes are excellent matches – try it with grilled barramundi or a spicy prawn laksa. The wine’s tannic structure complements the richness of these dishes, while its sweeter, more citrusy notes balance out the heat and spice.

For a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables or a cheese platter featuring Australian cheddar or Brie can create a wonderful harmony with the wine’s earthy, fruity profile.

Read our guide to the basics of food and wine pairings.