A good orange wine, its origins and characteristics

We know red wine, white wine and rosé wine, but there is also orange wine, which is gradually reclaiming its place at the finest tables. Orange wine came to life in antiquity, a clever blend of two methods specific to white wine and red wine, and it surprises with its flavours.

Orange wine gets its colour from white grapes macerated for a long time, retaining the grape skin during the vinification process, much like red wine. While it may appear rather luscious, this is not the case — it is generally quite dry, and develops very broad palettes depending on the region: fruity, acidic, floral.

Just like the best white wines, the diversity of orange wine allows it to accompany various dishes such as fish, seafood, vegetables, and it will pair perfectly with more prestigious dishes such as foie gras.

To find out more about orange wine.

What is a good orange wine?

Despite the enthusiasm in recent years for restoring orange wine to its rightful place, there are still few producers taking up the challenge. Alsace and the Jura also produce orange wine; that said, the Languedoc-Roussillon, notably Gerard Bertrand, has embarked on a genuine quest to restore its lustre.   

Several cuvées are now available, notably the celebrated Orange Gold, and the excellent Villa Soleilla. The fruit of a long blending process of seven grape varieties, Orange Gold surprises with its freshness, beautifully reflecting the mineral landscapes of the South of France. The tannin remains light with a subtle acidity. On the palate it is an explosion of notes of white flowers, candied fruit and white pepper. Finally, if you wish to experience an exceptional tasting, the very fine orange wine "Villa Soleilla" is an essential.

Harvested carefully by hand, the blend of Vermentino, Viognier and Roussanne produces an ample and complex tasting. Notable notes of garrigue, thyme and honey on the nose. On the palate the aromas are spiced and fruity with apricot in particular. There is no doubt that these cuvées are today essential in the cellar of connoisseurs of fine orange wine and the best orange wine.

To go further on the great wines of the South of France:

Everything you need to know about good red wine, good white wine or good rosé wine.

Discover the Gérard Bertrand family company :

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Its expertise in the creation of organic wine and biodynamic wine ,

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