Orange Wines, Natural Wines

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

Mash-fermented white wines
Amber Wines (often in English-speaking countries)
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

Georgia – Rkatsiteli, Kisi, Mtsvane (traditionally in amphorae)
Friuli (Italy) – Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, Malvasia
Slovenia (Goriška Brda, Vipava) – similar grape varieties to Friuli
Austria – Sauvignon Blanc, Neuburger, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay
Germany – Pinot Blanc, Silvaner, Riesling (experimental)
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:

Oriental cuisine: tagine, lentils, chickpeas, harissa
Fermented & smoked food: kimchi, smoked fish, fermented vegetables
Matured cheese: Comté, matured goat’s cheese, mountain cheese
Game dishes & mushrooms: venison, duck, porcini mushrooms, truffle dishes
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.