Orange wine is a recent trend in the wine world.
This wine, characterized by its orange appearance, is attracting attention as a new choice that is neither red, white, nor rosé. Orange wine is popular worldwide, and many are produced in Japan, with quality that rivals famous global regions. This time, "CRAFT WINE SHOP" introduces three Japanese orange wines to watch. Enjoy their high-quality flavors, perfect for the coming season.
Reviewing Orange Wine
Orange wine is now sold not only in specialty wine shops but also in supermarkets and convenience stores. Although it is gaining attention as a new wine category following red, white, and rosé, it is actually considered the world's oldest wine style, born about 8,000 years ago in Georgia. Many imagine orange wine as made with oranges because of the name "orange," but it is made from white grapes. Before introducing CWS recommended orange wines, let's review orange wine once again.
A Simple Explanation of Orange Wine!
Orange wine is a type of white wine made by fermenting white grapes with their skins and seeds. The production methods vary, but generally, it is made by long skin contact or maceration with skins and seeds. So why does the juice turn orange? Grape skins contain anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol, which color the wine through prolonged contact with the juice. Since orange wine uses white grapes, it does not have the deep red-purple color of black grapes but has a deep amber (orange) appearance derived from the white grape skins. Also, because it contains skins and seeds, it has more tannins with astringency than usual white wine, giving a powerful impression when drinking.
Characteristics of Orange Wine
Orange wine offers various styles depending on grape varieties and winemaking methods. The extent of skin contact or maceration, the level of human intervention such as sulfite and yeast selection, whether aged in amphora, oak barrels, or stainless steel, varies by winemaker. Here are common aromas found in orange wine.
- Apricot, peach, orange peel
- Hazelnut, almond
- Beeswax, sherry, vanilla ice cream
- Fruit beer
- Oxidative nuances like apple
Also, the texture suggests tannins but not as strong as red wine; it has a slight astringency reminiscent of unsweetened iced tea. The flavor profile is dry with refreshing acidity, finished from medium to full body. Some describe orange wine as having tea-like nuances, so it is good to understand it as a unique taste completely different from red, white, or rosé wines.
Enabling Unique Pairings
The charm of orange wine lies in its wide range of pairing possibilities. It has a unique aroma that feels earthy like orange peel yet rich. The refreshing acidity, subtle astringency, and dry finish allow for unexpected pairings. It pairs well with relatively strong-flavored ingredients and dishes, such as Japanese pickles, miso, and soy sauce-based foods. Also recommended are strongly aromatic mushroom dishes, salty fish and meat dishes, aged cheese, anchovies, and aged cheese. It goes well with Japanese cuisine in general but also surprisingly pairs well with Indian curry, Thai and Vietnamese dishes, Sichuan cuisine, Middle Eastern dishes, and other distinctive-flavored foods. Orange wine can be enjoyed on its own but is also a food-friendly wine easy to incorporate into everyday meals. Why not try adding it to your daily life?
Currently Trending! CWS Recommended Orange Wines
Orange wine is produced worldwide in countries such as Georgia, Italy, the United States, and France. Among them, many orange wines are also made in Japan, and their high quality is gaining attention as comparable to the world. This time, we introduce CWS recommended Japanese orange wines that you should try now. We will introduce three bottles recommended not only for orange wine beginners but also for those who enjoy orange wines from around the world.
Inoue Winery / tosa cavatina Koshu Fermentation
Inoue Winery, located in Konan City, Kochi Prefecture, is known for its dedication to clean flavors without off-flavors. Their orange wine made from Yamanashi Prefecture's Koshu grape is 'tosa cavatina Koshu Fermentation.' It is fermented with the grape skins and seeds, resulting in a complex flavor and delicate astringency. The appearance is a clear pinkish-orange color, with aromas reminiscent of citrus fruits, apple, orange, and marmalade. It offers fresh acidity and a medium tannin body. The charming petal label design catches the eye, making it a recommended gift.
Inoue Winery / tosa cavatina Koshu Fermentation
2,750 (tax included)
Le Milieu / Libra Ryugan Orange 2023
Le Milieu is a very popular winery located in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture. This orange wine uses "Ryugan," the only local grape variety from Nagano Prefecture, and is attractive for its deep flavor. The appearance is a pale orange color. It offers a high-quality taste where reductive aromas, herbal and herbaceous scents, and lemon citrus aromas harmonize complexly. The acidity is soft, and gentle fruitiness is also a feature. A subtle tannin and a bitter finish create an attractively balanced wine.
Le Milieu / Libra Ryugan Orange 2023
3,410 (tax included)
Domaine Bless / MUSUBI ~Jūnihitoe~ 2024
Domaine Bless is a winery located in Niki Town, Yoichi District, Hokkaido. Among the main brand's white wines, the "MUSUBI" series, the premium cuvée 'MUSUBI ~Jūnihitoe~' is an orange wine blend of 12 grape varieties including aromatic types. It features a complex flavor where the personalities of various grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Meunier, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay overlap in layers. Aromas of various fruits like peach, apple, and melon. Floral scents reminiscent of lilies highlight its refined impression. The moment it touches the mouth, it is floral and fruity. Meanwhile, due to the fermentation process, a slight bitterness remains at the end, broadening pairing possibilities. The bottle is stylish and stands out on the dining table.
Domaine Bless / MUSUBI ~Jūnihitoe~ 2024
5,940 (tax included)
Summary
Orange wine continues to be popular. Especially, Japanese orange wines are healthy and of high quality, offering a charming category where you can enjoy the unique characteristics of each winery. If you are looking for orange wine, please try the CWS recommended featured orange wines introduced this time.
