Orange Wines – Original, full of character & versatile
Orange wines, also known as mash-fermented white wines, are probably the most exciting and original variety of modern wine culture. Originating from the old Georgian tradition, these wines are now experiencing a worldwide comeback – especially among natural wine lovers and in upscale gastronomy.
Instead of immediately separating the white must from the skins, as is usually the case, Orange Wines ferment white grape varieties on the skins like red wine – sometimes for several weeks or even months. This not only gives them their typical amber to orange color, but also structured tannins, spicy aromas and a slightly oxidative note.
🔸 Alternative names & origins
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Mash-fermented white wines
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Amber Wines (often in English-speaking countries)
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Skin-contact White Wines
The cradle of orange wines lies in Georgia, where wines have been fermented in qvevris (clay amphorae) for thousands of years. Today, they can also be found in Italy (Friuli, Sicily), Slovenia, Austria, Germany, France (Jura) and increasingly worldwide – mostly as natural wines or with minimal intervention.
🍇 Important representatives & grape varieties
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Georgia – Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Mtsvane (traditionally in amphorae)
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Friuli (Italy) – Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, Malvasia
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Slovenia (Goriška Brda, Vipava) – similar grape varieties to Friuli
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Austria – Sauvignon Blanc, Neuburger, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay
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Germany – Pinot Blanc, Silvaner, Riesling (experimental)
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France (Jura) – Savagnin (often oxidative, e.g. Vin Jaune)
🍽️ Food pairing – ideal for complex cuisine
Orange wines are structured food companions that shine where classic white wines reach their limits – thanks to their tannin structure, fine bitter notes and pronounced aromas.
Perfect pairings:
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Oriental cuisine: tagine, lentils, chickpeas, harissa
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Fermented & smoked food: kimchi, smoked fish, fermented vegetables
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Matured cheese: Comté, matured goat’s cheese, mountain cheese
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Game dishes & mushrooms: venison, duck, porcini mushrooms, truffle dishes
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Vegetarian & vegan: Roasted vegetables, pumpkin, lentil salad, walnuts
Depending on the ageing process, some Orange Wines are more delicate and floral, others complex, wild and challenging – but always full of character and authentic.
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