Plus: We've got the best 9 orange wines to try
It seems like Aperol Spritz is no longer the star of summer with another drink garnering the attention of TikTok influencers and wine connoisseurs alike. Orange wine is one of the most sought-after drinks of the season and for good reason too, as the wine tastes almost as rich as the history behind it.
As opposed to what the name suggests, oranges have little to do with the making of the wine. Essentially, orange wine is merely a type of white wine that is more intense in flavour and fragrance. Like most wines, orange wine is made out of grapes coupled with a technique known as ‘skin-contact’.
What is skin-contact wine?
The colour of the wine is determined by the skin of the grapes and how long it remains in the winemaking process. In the case of white wines, the skin of the grapes is immediately removed to ensure the clear appearance of the wine. What gives orange wine the deep colour is the extended ‘skin-contact’ with the grape skins which are not removed as part of the winemaking process. Wines that are made using this technique are called skin-contact wines.
How is orange wine made?
Because orange wine is a white wine that is made like red wine (by keeping the skin of the grapes on during the making process), orange wines also go by the terms 'macerated wine' or 'amber wine'. The colour of the wine deepens with the time spent with the grape skins in and this also adds to the taste, intensity and fragrance of the wine. Usually these wines only use local yeast for fermentation which gives them a lower alcohol percentage and a lighter body. The making process is also much more natural with the skins remaining on.
This technique of making skin-contact wines, which is said to have originated in Georgia, goes back centuries. As the most natural method of making wine, this traditional process is as old as wine itself. Carrying the legacy of winemaking, a bottle of orange wine is sure to bring stories both old and new to the table.
What does orange wine taste like?
The presence of grape skin during the winemaking process adds strong fruity overtones and nutty flavours along with the buzz of a craft fruit beer, which gives it a very unique taste. Orange wines are more often dry than sweet and they are more full-bodied than white wines. The wine also tends to have a bitter aftertaste as it contains a lot of tannins.
Is orange wine good for you?
The grape skins being present during the winemaking process increases the quantity of antioxidants in orange wine making it a healthier option than white wines. The grape skin also contain polyphenols which is known to reduce the risk of heart disease. Orange wine also pairs well with a wider range of foods making it more versatile.
Best orange wines
Best orange wine overall
www.frazierswine.co.uk
This wine tops our list of best orange wines owing to its unique flavours, authentic make and the good value for money it offers. The wine has strong notes of apricots and orange zest along with the hints of citrus and floral flavours with a nutty and spicy finish that is the result of the skins left in contact for 3.5 weeks. As a vegan option that is suitable for all, your party will be on the second or third bottle in no time.
Pros
- Vegan friendly
Cons
- Only few more bottles are left in stock, so there may be a wait to buy once they run out
Best value orange wine
www.vinello.co.uk
If you are looking for a wine option that is easy on the pocket and the palate, then this Cramele Recas Solara Orange Wine will be the perfect accompaniment to your meal. The wine packs flavours of apricots, thyme, caramel and the light, crisp taste of white wine. Made with grapes sourced from Romania, this orange wine is sure to get your guests talking.
Pros
- Although orange wines are usually dry, this wine is not coarse or barren, but rather round and supple
Cons
- Need to make note of allergens as the wine contains sulfites and sulfur dioxide
Best premium orange wine
www.ocado.com
With strong notes of tangerine, spices and citrus fruit along with subtle hints of whiteflower, candied fruits and white pepper, this Gerard Bertrand Organic Orange Gold Wine is a premium drink that is best suited for the summer. It pairs well with salads, spicy dishes and strong cheeses making it a good choice to serve with a variety of dishes. With the stunning orange colour and delicate taste, this wine can be a great addition to add a little more mirth to your sunny days.
Pros
- It is organic
Cons
- Some reviewers felt that the wine was not smooth and that it left a slight burning sensation
Best Georgian orange wine
gvinouk.com
Orange wine which originates in Georgia is known as Amber wine and this Rkatsiteli Mtsvane Amber Wine comes with a fragrant bouquet of yellow plums and tropical fruits including bananas. It pairs beautifully with white meat and cheeses. Made with Rkatsiteli grapes which are traditionally used to make skin-contact wines, this wine brings history to the table along with a fine drink to keep the party going.
Pros
- Authentic wine sourced from Rkatsiteli grapes which are traditionally used to make skin-contact wines
Cons
- Additional shipping charges may apply
Best trending orange wine
groceries.aldi.co.uk
When Aldi launched this hybrid wine that is a fine blend of a Rosé and orange wine, it took social media by storm with influencers and wine experts eager to get their hands on a bottle. With a pleasant aroma of tangerine, quince, apricot, and rose, this wine is flavourful and dry with a distinctive fruit profile. Combining rosé with orange wine gives the drink a more fresh and sophisticated taste which makes this wine live up to the hype.
Pros
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
Cons
- Need to make note of allergens as the wine contains sulfites and sulfur dioxide
Best Tesco orange wine
www.tesco.com
This wine is made of orange Muscat fruit that is blended with the rare Flora grape to create a sweet, rich and beautifully balanced wine. It pairs well with fruits, sweet delicacies and blue cheese especially. It can also be served as a dessert wine. The wine also comes with the legacy of being created by the well-known winemakers and explorers, John Graham Brown and his brothers.
Pros
- Tastes sweeter than most orange wines
Cons
- It might not appeal to those who prefer strong wines
Best Waitrose orange wine
www.waitrose.com
This skin fermented Macerao Naranjo Orange wine is made from the Moscatel de Alexandria grapes and is fermented with wild yeasts. The wine comes with a rich aroma of orange blossoms, dried apricots, pears and honey with a full body and hints of fruity notes. According to the reviews of those who have tried this wine, you will either love it or hate it. So if you are familiar with the taste of natural wines or skin-contact wines, then this bottle might be another good find.
Pros
- Suitable for vegans
Cons
- Reveiwers who did not like the wine mentioned that it tasted 'off' and 'like vinegar'
Best M&S orange wine
www.ocado.com
This M&S Tbilvino Qvevris Orange Wine has rich flavours of quince, pear and spice and is made with white Rkatsiteli grapes using the traditional Georgian vinification method. This dry wine pairs very well with dishes like seafood platters or chicken tagine. As an option that is suitable for vegans as well, this wine can be enjoyed by all.
Pros
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
Cons
- Need to make note of allergens as the wine contains sulphur dioxide / sulphites
Best ASDA orange wine
groceries.asda.com
This Gros Manseng Vin Orange comes with flavours of white peach, citrus zest and ripe mango creating a unique taste and aroma. A reviewer mentioned that the wine pairs beautifully with Chinese cuisine. So if are looking to quickly pick up a bottle along with the rest of your groceries, then this option could be the best for you.
Pros
- Most reviewers who tried the wine found it appealing
Cons
- It is not clear wether it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians
FAQs
What is the difference between orange and rosé wine?
The basic difference is that rosé is made with red grapes and less skin-contact time compared to red wine while orange wine is made with white grapes with more skin-contact time than white wine. The colour of the wine is determined by the amount of time the wine is in contact with the skin of the grapes during the making process, resulting in the varying colours of these varieties of wine.
Is orange wine served chilled?
It is recommended to serve orange wine slightly chilled. But it is advised to not serve it too cold as it will tone down all the flavours.
Akhila Thomas is a digital writer at Yours.co.uk and her areas of interest are beauty, fashion, food, wellness and lifestyle. She has previously written for magazines like Leftlion, Women’s Health and t’Art and worked extensively with art, culture, fashion and social media trends. She also likes to travel and explore new cultures and cuisines.