Encountering orange wines

I recently hosted a wine event wherein we explored orange wines. No, these aren’t orange flavored wines, but white wines made in a red wine fashion. This means the grapes were in contact with the skins which creates the orange or salmon hue. White wines are usually pressed away from the skins, seeds and stems which keeps the wine “white” or pale yellow, green, straw or somewhere in that neighborhood. That also keeps the wine bright and acidic and less tannic. Orange wines are a white that almost drinks like a lighter red. Since there is contact with the skins, seeds and stems, the wines have more heft. They possess a bigger mouth feel without having to be oaked (some are, but not all) which is due to the tannins. The flavors are beautiful, strange, bitter and bright, fruit and savory. Orange wines are definitely worth exploring!

The Orange Wine Tasting was so fun! We explored a light and bright Spanish version, a 100% Pinot Gris from Australia, a 100% Sauvignon Blanc and two multi-blends from California. So many versions, all embracing the skin contact, but resulting in different flavors and dimensions.