TIme for Orange Slices
Do you carry orange wine? What is orange wine? Is it weird? Is it organic? What are those things floating around in the bottle?
These are the kinds of questions we still get about our skin-contact whites (aka orange wine, aka amber wine). Throughout the Caucuses (Georgia, Armenia) wine has been made this way for centuries. More stylized versions subsequently popped up in Northeastern Italy, parts of Sicily, and Greece. Now it seems that every small producer is trying their hand at an orange wine or two. Some are funky, some are floral, and some continue to be made in traditional ways.
But when it comes to the basics, orange wine is just white wine made the way red wine is. Instead of removing the juice from the solids after grapes are initially pressed, everything is left together to macerate for an extended period of time. This gives us an entirely new set of colors, flavors, and textures to enjoy. Apricots, honey, citrus peel, gardenias, roses… These are all flavors and aromas we get from skin-contact whites. Not to mention a broad range of tannin levels, acidity, and dryness.
Many, if not most, of the wines we carry tend to be unfined and unfiltered. This means that when the juice leaves the tank or the barrel, nothing is done to remove any of the natural particles present during fermentation. The reason we prefer these methods is because it shows that little was done to manipulate the final product, which in turn, means that the winemaker trusts the health of his vines enough to produce a quality wine. Hence, the occasional floaty bit.
Our selection of orange wines has become much more than a trendy section to keep up with. It’s become a real part of our inventory that we value, especially in our Fenway shop. There are some examples of lovely winemaking among the bottles we choose for the shelves, and we’re hoping more of you will give them a try, if you haven’t already. For now, here are a few of our favorites that have warmed their way into our glasses.
Click here for a complete list of our orange wine.
Sfera, Macerato 1L
Region: Puglia IGT - Puglia
Country: Italy
Grape: Verdeca
Historically, Verdeca has been used in the production of vermouth. But in Puglia it continues to be planted in small amounts as a blending grape. However, this expression is gorgeous on its own. After two weeks maceration we’re left with a clean, zippy wine with structure. This wine is exactly what a skin-contact white should be. Get some while you still can!
Jász Laci, Rising Sun
Region: Somló
Country: Hungary
Grapes: Chardonnay, Juhfark
So much tangerine on the nose, light and smoky in your glass. This bright, sticky orange wine is so good. Roast a chicken and sautée some mushrooms friends.
Creta Paglia, Folk
Region: Calabria
Country: Italy
Varietal: Pecorello
Dirrrrty. Tannins that grip like velcro. Brett-tastic in the best way. Lemons and pressed gardenia too, but it's all about structure.
Ecstatic Truth Wines, Power Spot
Region: El Dorado AVA - California
Country: US
Grape: ???
No one knows what’s in the bottle, but we do know that it tastes fantastic. This orange wine is full bodied but sharp. It’s bright, tart, and so vibrant. Try it and see if you can’t guess the blend!
Clos Massotte, Originie
Region: Roussillon
Country: France
Grape: 100% Muscat
Producer: Pierre-Nicolas Massotte
An explosion of flowers with a subtle funky finish. This wine is fruity but incredibly dry. Think white peaches and a stroll through the flower mart. It’s springtime in a bottle. Where’s the goat cheese?
GaraGino, Malvasia
Region: Puglia IGP - Puglia
Country: Italy
Grape: Malvasia
This Malvasia is stunning. It's a mouthful of sunshine, brimming with salinity, and quite rich considering how light the grape tends to be. This wine is so sharp, we love it!
La Clarine Farm, Viognier
Region: Sierra Foothills AVA - California
Country: US
Grape: Viognier
Any wine that reminds us of cheese must be added to the collection. This wine has aromas of pasta water and sourdough starter, but when you take a sip it is a mouthful of savory acidity and happiness.
Q500, Colline Pescaresi Passerina
Region: Colline Pescaresi IGT - Abruzzo
Country: Italy
Varietal: Passerina
Producer: Azienda Agricola Colle Trotta — Q500
The new vintage of the Passerina is chic and textured. Plenty of acidity and savory goodness to stand up to your favorite cheeses. A serious staff favorite.
