What is organic orange wine? 

Orange wine, also known as amber wine, has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity among winemakers and wine enthusiasts in recent years. Rooted in a cultural tradition dating back several thousand years, it first appeared around 8,000 years ago in the Caucasus, in the territory of present-day Georgia, considered the cradle of viticulture. At that time, wine macerated in large terracotta jars called kvevris which were used to vinify, age and store wines. The Georgian method of traditional winemaking in kvevris has been recognised since 2013 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Orange wine is thus one of the oldest wines in the world !

The vinification of orange wine, unlike that of white wine, requires the preservation of the grape skins, seeds and stems which give it its singular colour and tannic structure. The maceration period, ranging from several days to several months, plays an essential role in influencing not only its colour but also its taste. Orange wine is today aged in various types of vessels, such as stainless steel tanks, barrels, and also still traditionally in terracotta jars. In other words, orange wine is a white wine but vinified like a red wine. Made from white grape varieties, orange wine (a name coined by a British importer in 2004) is sometimes also called « skin-contact white wine ».

Orange wine is currently produced in many countries around the world. Indeed, over the centuries, Greece, Romania, Slovenia and Italy have been inspired by Georgian winemakers and have adopted their technique of long maceration for white grapes. In France, the first orange wines emerged in the south during the 1990s. Although it remains a niche product, it is today produced in many regions, including Languedoc-Roussillon. Winemakers who create orange wines are generally advocates of a minimal organic approach, seeking to limit the use of inputs as much as possible and to apply principles close to nature. Indeed, just like other types of wine, an orange wine can come from conventional, organic or biodynamic farming. The renaissance of orange wine goes hand in hand with the natural wine trend.

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Orange Gold: the organic orange wine by Gérard Bertrand

Passionate about terroirs and characterful wines, Gérard Bertrand breathes new life into orange wine with his cuvée Orange Gold. Drawing inspiration from the first Georgian orange wines, he offers an unprecedented orange wine profile, highlighting freshness and showcasing the terroir of the south of France along with its magnificent sunsets. Orange Gold is a delicate orange wine, certified organic, dressed in a brilliant golden colour, and distinguished by its captivating freshness, delicate tannins and subtle natural acidity.

Tasting Orange Gold is a true pleasure; its freshness is striking. Made from a blend of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Mauzac, Muscat and Clairette grape varieties, the bunches are harvested carefully by hand, then delicately transported to the winery, without destemming or crushing. A semi-carbonic maceration follows, lasting 10 to 15 days, accompanied by a light pumping over. Once the perfect balance between tannins and colour is achieved, the grapes are drained, pressed and the wine is blended in a stainless steel tank to complete fermentation.

After fermentation, the wine is transferred to barrels to continue its ageing, thus revealing its full complexity. This crucial step allows Orange Gold to develop rich aromas and a silky texture. Barrel ageing lends the wine subtle hints of vanilla and wood, adding an extra dimension to its aromatic palette.

The result is an orange wine of exceptional finesse, harmoniously blending the fruity freshness of the grapes with the depth of flavours imparted by barrel ageing. Orange Gold embodies the pure and authentic expression of the terroir of the south of France, whilst offering a contemporary interpretation of orange wine. Its delicacy and freshness make it an ideal companion for many dishes, enhancing moments of conviviality and the pleasures of the table. The nose is complex, fragrant, very fresh, brimming with aromas of peach, apricot and mirabelle plum. The palate is round, smooth with a fine texture, precise and flavoursome, with a beautiful balance to which the tannins add body and spirit. An ideal wine to accompany Indian curry dishes, lightly spiced Asian cuisine or hard cheeses. Tasting Orange Gold is to immerse oneself in a unique gustatory experience, where every sip reveals the passion and soul of orange wines of old, reinvented for the pleasure of lovers of authentic and refined wines.

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Orange wine, a versatile wine

While it may prove surprising, tasting an orange wine opens the door to new flavours and pairings. Indeed, the tannic structure of orange wines gives them a genuine versatility. Endowed with a very broad aromatic expression, they can accompany an entire meal, from starter to dessert. On the palate, one finds the minerality of dry white wines combined with the power of a red wine. Orange wines thus pair very easily, even for the uninitiated. As for serving temperature, enjoy them slightly warmer than white wines, at around 12°C, in order to preserve their freshness whilst allowing the wine to warm in the glass. Orange wine has won over the palates of many enthusiasts — why not yours?

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Some ideas for orange wine and cheese pairings.

To find out more about organic wines:

Everything you need to know about organic red wine, organic white wine and organic rosé wine.

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Estates specialising in organic wine and biodynamic wine.

And discover the Gérard Bertrand organic wine collections.