Orange Wine: What is It and Is It Right for You If you’re a fan of fruity wines, then you’ve probably heard about the latest trend in wine: orange wine. The drink is gaining popularity among connoisseurs who love its intense taste and more acidic nature. But what exactly is orange wine? Is it right for you? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this unique beverage.
What Is Orange Wine? Orange natural wine is a white wine that has been allowed to oxidize, turning it into something that looks like red wine. It’s made from red grapes and made in the same way as red wines, but with less skin contact and more time in oak barrels. The result is a pale orange color with tannins and flavors of berries, stone fruits, citrus peel, spice, and honey.
How Is It Made? Orange wine is made from white grapes fermented in open-top containers. This allows the natural yeasts in the air to work on the most and give it a light color. After fermentation, orange wine is aged in barrels for at least six months; some styles require more than a year of aging before being released for sale. This process results in a dry wine with strong fruit notes ranging from orange blossom to apricot to citrusy lemonade. It’s not unlike rosé or blush wines (which also get their pale coloring from contact with the skins), but it takes those flavors and adds them to an oak barrel–aged red wine base—and voila! Orange wine!
Benefits of Orange Wine Rich in antioxidants Orange wines contain high levels of phenols and other compounds that have antioxidant properties and may help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals — unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases like cancer or heart disease.