What is organic orange wine?

Orange wine, from yesterday to today

Orange wine , also known as amber wine , has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity among winemakers and oenophiles in recent years. Coming from a cultural tradition dating back several thousand years, it appeared around 8,000 years ago in the Caucasus , in the territory of present-day Georgia, considered the cradle of viticulture. At that time, the wine was macerated in large earthenware jars called kvevris , which were used to vinify, age and store wines. The Georgian method of old-fashioned winemaking in traditional kvevris has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity since 2013. 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 stalks which give it its unique colour and tannic structure. The maceration time, varying from several days to several months, plays an essential role in influencing not only its colour but also its taste. Orange wine is now aged in various types of containers, such as stainless steel vats, barrels but also traditionally 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 invented by an English importer in 2004) is sometimes also called " maceration 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 long maceration technique for white grapes. In France, the first orange wines were produced in the south in the 1990s . Although it remains confidential, it is now produced in many regions, including Languedoc-Roussillon. Winemakers who create orange wines are generally followers 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 traditional, organic or biodynamic agriculture . The renaissance of orange wine goes hand in hand with the trend of natural wines .

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Orange Gold: organic orange wine by Gérard Bertrand

Passionate about terroirs and wines of character , Gérard Bertrand brings orange wine back to life with his Orange Gold vintage . Inspired by the first Georgian orange wines, he offers a unique orange wine profile, highlighting freshness and enhancing the terroir of the south of France as well as its magnificent sunsets. Orange Gold is a delicate orange wine, certified organic , with a bright golden color, and distinguished by its captivating freshness, delicate tannins and subtle natural acidity.

Tasting Orange Gold is a real pleasure, its freshness is striking. Made from a blend of Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Mauzac, Muscat and Clairette grape varieties , the grape clusters are carefully harvested 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. When the perfect balance between tannins and color is achieved, the grapes are devatting, pressed and the wine is blended in a stainless steel vat to complete fermentation.

After fermentation, the wine is transferred to barrels to continue its maturation, revealing all its complexity. This crucial step allows Orange Gold to develop rich aromas and a silky texture . Barrel maturation gives the wine subtle nuances of vanilla and oak, adding an additional dimension to its aromatic palette.

The result is an orange wine of exceptional finesse, harmoniously combining the fruity freshness of the grapes with the depth of flavors imparted by barrel aging. Orange Gold embodies the pure and authentic expression of the terroir of the South of France , while 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, perfumed, very fresh, overflowing with aromas of peach, apricot and mirabelle plum. The palate is round, suave with a fine texture, precise flavors, tasty, on a beautiful balance to which the tannins give body and spirit. An ideal wine to accompany Indian curry dishes, slightly spicy Asian cuisine or hard cheeses. Tasting Orange Gold means immersing yourself in a unique taste experience , where each sip reveals the passion and soul of the orange wines of yesteryear, reinvented for the pleasure of lovers of authentic and refined wines.

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Orange wine, a versatile wine

Although it may be surprising, tasting an orange wine allows you to discover new tastes and pairings . Indeed, the tannic structure of orange wines gives them real versatility. With a very broad aromatic expression , they can accompany an entire meal, from starter to dessert. On the palate, we find the minerality of dry white wines combined with the power of a red wine. Orange wines are therefore very easy to pair, even for beginners. For the serving temperature, taste them slightly warmer than white wines, around 12°, in order to preserve their freshness while allowing the wine to warm up in the glass. Orange wine has conquered the palates of many wine lovers, why not yours?

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Some ideas for pairing orange wines and cheeses .