Orange wine is rapidly gaining popularity, making waves in natural wine bars, trendy restaurants, and even mainstream retailers. This unique type of wine, known for its citrus notes, is not made from oranges but from white grapes fermented with their skins. The process results in an orange-hued wine characterized by its tannic texture and complex flavors.

Origins and Historical Techniques

The practice of producing skin-contact wines dates back over a thousand years to Georgia, where grapes are traditionally fermented in earthenware amphorae underground. Georgian wines, made from indigenous varieties like Rkatsiteli, are known for their tannic structure and vibrant citrus peel and spice notes.

Varietals Suited for Skin-Contact

Certain grape varietals are particularly well-suited for skin-contact fermentation due to their genetic make-up. Grapes like Muscat, Riesling, Kerner, and Albariño exhibit superior phenolic extraction and produce wines with enhanced textures and flavors when fermented on their skins. While some wines only spend a brief period in contact with the skins, resulting in lighter textures, others undergo extended maceration, developing the deeper amber-orange color indicative of more intense skin-contact wines.

Chardonnay: A Surprising Candidate

Chardonnay, especially from California's Russian River Valley, is often associated with rich, opulent flavors. However, the introduction of skin-contact techniques to this varietal offers surprising new dimensions. At Pellegrini-Olivet Lane Winery, a skin-contacted Chardonnay exhibits unexpected flavors such as Rainier cherry and orange pith, offering a fresh perspective on this classic varietal.

The Appeal of Pinot Gris/Grigio

Pinot Gris/Grigio is another varietal that transforms beautifully through skin contact. Typically fresh and low in alcohol, skin-contacted Pinot Gris displays a balanced complexity. Darling Wines' 2023 La Cruz Pinot Gris exemplifies this balance, combining lively citrus and floral notes with salty pith and subtle tannins.

Kerner: A Lesser-Known Delight

Kerner, a hybrid of Riesling and Trollinger, is not widely recognized in the U.S. but provides a unique opportunity for exploration. Wesley Box of Box Wine Company employs skin contact to enhance Kerner's floral qualities, resulting in wines that layer flavors and offer both richness and acidity, reminiscent of pomelo pith and lemon blossom.

Transformative Skin Contact in Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is widely known for its bright acidity, making it a natural fit for skin-contact methods. Floréz Wines' Shangra-Li Savvy B leverages brief skin contact to add richness, salinity, and a pithy edge to the otherwise light-hearted varietal, creating a more complex and satisfying wine.

Complexity Through Blends

Blends benefit substantially from skin contact, which contributes to added complexity and depth. At Sonoma's Head High Wines, a blend with Viognier, Grenache Blanc, and other varietals yields a citrus-forward, floral wine. The skin-contacted blend offers a layered palate without overly emphasizing the phenolic traits.

Orange wine might be a relatively new trend in the modern market, but it offers an intriguing alternative for wine enthusiasts. For those curious to explore the unique characteristics of orange wine, consider starting with varietals that naturally lend themselves to skin-contact methods.

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