Elizabeth & Wine

Type a wine, a place or a kind of event.

    What is Orange Wine?

    11 December 2024 · 1 min read · by Elizabeth Hawthornthwaite

    What is Orange Wine?

    Orange wine is having a major moment right now, but what exactly is it? And no, it’s not made with oranges, despite the name! This trendy tipple gets its gorgeous hue and bold character from a winemaking process where the skins of white grapes mingle with the juice. Think of it as a white wine wearing a red wine jacket, complete with tannins and structure that make it a bit of a ‘Marmite’ experience. Love it or not, when it’s done right, it’s a real showstopper.

    If you usually go for delicate whites, this might not be your vibe. But if you’re into trying something daring, orange wine could be your new autumnal obsession. Is this one from Georgia? Absolute perfection.

    Bottle of Georgian Qvevris wine on white background

    To taste, expect notes of apricot, citrus, and pear, all wrapped up in a fuller body that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Orange wine pairs beautifully with dishes like lamb, where its structure and depth can shine. It’s bold, it’s different, and it’s not for everyone, but for me, it’s a solid 5/5.

    I picked up this beauty at Majestic for just £13.99, an absolute steal! Will orange wine be your next favourite, or will it fall into the ‘Marmite’ camp for you?

    Tbilvino 'Qvevris' Rkatsiteli 2020/21, Georgia - Majestic: £13.99

    Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to check out my ‘What is Orange Wine?’ and 'Taste Test: Orange Wine' videos for the full lowdown.

    Transcript

    What does orange wine taste like? That's me. The color vastly different to white wine. It looks orange. It's apricot and citrus and pear. It's almost like a white wine wearing a red wine jacket. It has more body. It's got tannins to it. This is because the grapes have been left in contact with the skin. We pair perfectly with a lamb dish. I give this a five out of five. It's a stunning wine, but not everyone is gonna love it. Has a Marmite effect. This is from Majestic for £13.99 a bottle.

    Transcribed automatically from the speech, so a name may be misheard.

    Elizabeth x

    Orange wine bottle and glass held by person indoors