Orange Wines: A Quirky Dive Into the “Unicorns” of the Wine World

Let’s talk about orange wine. No, it’s not made from oranges. And no, it’s not what happens when a white wine meets a tanning bed. Orange wine is actually the funky, ancient cousin of your go-to whites, reds, and rosés, and it’s here to make your wine nights a little weirder (in the best way possible).

What Is Orange Wine, Anyway?

Orange wine is a white wine that’s decided to rebel a little. It’s made by fermenting white grape juice with the skins on—a process typically reserved for red wines. Those skins give the wine its signature amber-orange hue, plus a hearty dose of tannins, textures, and bold flavors that white wines can only dream about. Think of it as a white wine trying to live its best red wine life.

Where Did This Come From?

Orange wine isn’t some trendy invention dreamt up by hipsters. It’s been around for literally thousands of years, originating in Georgia (the country, not the state) around 6,000 B.C. Back then, they fermented wine in giant clay pots called qvevri buried underground, which makes today’s oak barrels look positively bougie. Fast-forward to now, and orange wines are making a comeback thanks to adventurous winemakers and wine lovers who like their drinks a little… wild.

How Does It Taste?

Orange wines are like the mullets of the wine world: business up front, party in the back. They’re dry and aromatic, but they bring bold, funky, and slightly nutty flavors to the table. Depending on the grape and winemaking process, you might taste anything from apricots and orange peel to honey, hazelnuts, or even a hint of sourdough bread. (Yes, sourdough!)

And the tannins? Oh, they’re there—giving orange wine its signature “grab you by the tongue and make you pay attention” vibe.

Pairing Orange Wines Without Breaking a Sweat

Orange wines are food-pairing superheroes. Their structure and boldness let them tango with dishes that would overpower most whites. Spicy Thai curry? Check. Charred veggies? Yep. A funky blue cheese? Absolutely. Honestly, you could probably pair it with an actual unicorn steak and it would still work.

Here’s a cheat sheet to impress your friends:

• Light orange wines: Salads, fresh cheeses, and sushi.

• Bolder orange wines: BBQ, roasted meats, and heavily spiced dishes.

• Weirdly funky orange wines: Anything you’d eat at a food truck or on a dare.

Why You Should Embrace the Weird?

Yes, orange wines are weird. But they’re also exciting, thought-provoking, and just plain fun to drink. They bridge the gap between red and white, giving you the best of both worlds with an extra side of “What is this, and why do I love it?”

So the next time you’re staring at a wine list or wandering through the aisles of your local shop, be brave. Grab that bottle of orange wine with the funky label and an even funkier name. Worst-case scenario? You’ll have a great story. Best case? You’ll discover your new favorite thing.

Cheers to drinking outside the box—or, in this case, the color spectrum!

I’ve made this selection of Orange Wines if you want to try some:

https://www.brixsommculture.com/collections/orange

 Brian Atkinson
Your friendly neighborhood sommelier