GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT NATURAL & ORANGE WINES
Natural and orange wines represent a return to traditional winemaking practices and the avoidance of artificial interventions. While natural wines are produced without additives and often unfiltered, orange wines are distinguished by a special production method: The grapes are fermented on the skins, like red wine, although white grape varieties are used. This gives them a distinctive color, ranging from deep gold to bright orange. Both wine types have become truly trendy drinks in recent years, delighting both wine lovers and nature lovers.
THE PRODUCTION OF NATURAL & ORANGE WINES
MASH FERMENTATION
Orange wines made from white grape varieties undergo fermentation on the skins, just like red wines. This technique ensures contact between the juice and the skins, giving the wines their characteristic orange to amber color and a stronger tannin structure. Skin fermentation is one of the oldest winemaking methods and has been practiced for centuries, particularly in Georgia and Slovenia.
FERMENTATION
Natural and orange wines are often fermented spontaneously, meaning they are fermented without the use of cultured yeasts. This method allows the natural yeasts found on the grapes to initiate the fermentation process. This results in wines with a unique and often unpredictable flavor profile that emphasizes the characteristics of the terroir. Fermentation usually takes place in open tanks to ensure maximum naturalness.
THE EXPANSION
After fermentation, natural and orange wines are often aged in traditional clay amphorae, barrels, or stainless steel tanks. Oxygen exposure plays an important role in the aging process, especially for wines aged in amphorae or wooden barrels. Natural wines are usually bottled unfiltered and without the addition of sulfur, which gives them their unadulterated and sometimes rustic character.
CHARACTER & TASTE OF NATURAL & ORANGE WINES
Natural and orange wines are characterized by their often complex and unadulterated aromas. Natural wines emphasize the natural aromas of the terroir and the grapes—they can be fruity, earthy, or spicy. Due to the maceration process, orange wines have a pronounced tannin structure reminiscent of red wine, even though white grapes are used. Aromas range from dried fruits and nuts to herbs and spices. Both wine types offer a wide range of flavor experiences that go far beyond what one would expect from traditional wines.
FAQ ABOUT NATURAL & ORANGE WINES
What are natural wines?
Natural wines are wines produced without the use of chemicals or additives. They are often bottled unfiltered and with minimal sulfur to preserve their naturalness.
What makes an orange wine?
Orange wines are made from white grape varieties, but like red wines, they are fermented on the skins. This gives them their characteristic orange color and robust structure.
Where did the first orange wines come from?
The origins of orange wines lie in Georgia, where this technique has been practiced for over 8,000 years. Today, orange wines are enjoying growing popularity worldwide.
What do natural wines taste like?
Natural wines often have a wild, unconventional flavor profile, created by spontaneous fermentation and the absence of filtration. They can have fruity, earthy, and spicy notes.
How should you drink orange wines?
Orange wines are usually served at slightly higher temperatures than white wines, between 12 and 14°C. Due to their tannin structure, they pair well with hearty dishes such as lamb or spicy cheese.
Are Natural and Orange wines vegan?
Since natural and orange wines generally do not use animal-based clarifying agents, they are often vegan, but it is always advisable to check the labels.