What Is Orange Wine and Does It Actually Contain Oranges? Wine Pro Shares More About This Bright-Colored Drink

I’m a wine novice, but I do love tasting new types of vino. Until recently, I’d only heard of red, white, and rosé wines. Then orange wine, and its appropriately autumnal coloring, came onto my radar and I was curious. I know it sounds a little weird, but I’m starting to see it in liquor stores and restaurants, so I figured it was time to try a sip. Sandra Guibord, founder and CEO of Sandra’s Wine Life, answered my burning questions. “We all know there is red, white, and rosé… but orange? Is it made from oranges? Where is it from?” Guibord teases. Here’s our interview with Guibord, wherein she shares several interesting facts about orange wine. Consider them an introduction to your new favorite beverage!

First for Women: Can you give a brief history of orange wine?

Sandra Guibord: Orange wine dates back 5,000 years to the country of Georgia. This wine ferments in large clay pots secured with beeswax, which is a custom that’s still used today. Orange wines are currently made in Italy, France, California, and even in South Africa.

FFW: What gives this wine its color?

SG: This wine gets its unique color from the white wine grapes, and making the wine utilizes a red wine method of winemaking. Meaning, after the grapes are crushed, they spend time soaking in the skins — from four days to up to a year. By letting the juice absorb the skin color and allowing it to oxidize a bit, the wine will turn a golden orange hue. 

FFW: How does this wine differ in taste compared to other wines?

SG: The taste of orange wine is as unique as its color. Bold flavors of honey, nuts, and orange peel are supported by tannins and a dry finish. Because of its natural method of fermenting on the skins, you’ll notice a slight sour note that will surprise and delight you.

FFW: What are some of your wine recommendations?

SG: I recommend the Quady Essensia Orange Muscat 2017, as it has flavor notes of gold in the glass, with orange and apricot flavors, to pair perfectly with your pumpkin pies. Another orange wine to try is Gerard Bertrand Orange Gold 2020, which has notes of white flowers, candied fruit and white pepper.

FFW: What dishes do orange wines pair well with?

SG: Some foods you would want to enjoy along with orange wine include roasted vegetables, charcuterie with nuts and honey, curry, Mediterranean dishes with hummus, eggplant or feta and spicy Thai food. (Try pairing it with these recipes for Yogurt-Roasted Carrots, Chicken with Squash Curry and Mediterranean Veggie Salad.)

Final thoughts before raising a glass

If I had to sum up Guibord’s insights, it would be that orange wine is a fun and vibrant option worth adding to your wine collection. (And of course, that it’s not made from actual oranges!) In addition to her picks, I’ll be pouring the Zibibbo Macerato from Alileo Wines as its citrus and jasmine flavor notes make each sip enjoyable. 

“All ‘orange wine’ is some form of a macerated (meaning skin contact)  white grape variety, but not all macerated white wines are ‘orange wines.'” Antonio Bertone, co-founder of Alileo, explains. “Our Zibibbo Macerato is a Macerated white wine that spends about two weeks on the skins. This gives our Zibibbo just enough skin contact sexiness and maintains the floral nose and easy drinking characteristics of the Zibibbo grape. Maybe we can create a new profile called ‘orange lite!'” Having a new wine to sip is just one of the joys of diving deeper into this drink. Cheers!