There was once a time that you couldn't move for ultra trendy social media posts with an orange wine hashtag flooding our timelines.
Natural wines have been associated with hipsters with both virtuous and indulgent narratives on offer for all to see.
It divided us and we're not entirely sure why.
We'll try to unpick the reasons why so many people became turned off with those Orange Wines marketing strategies ? And in turn, Orange Wine.
Plus what even is Orange Wine?
And is it safe to now drink Orange wines without receiving 'the look' ?
We'll also share our recommendations of best buys and most importantly - Which ones are great 'first-timers' . The least funkiest and the best all-rounders to dip your toes into the world of Natural, Amber, Orange and Pet Nat Wines.
But first.........
What is Orange Wine?
Orange wines are generally considered to be “natural wines,” usually grown organically or Biodynamically, produced with minimal intervention. They are also referred to as skin-contact wine, naturals and ambers - whatever the terminology you use, these wines can be some of the most interesting and unique within the spectrum of wine.
Most orange winemakers use only native yeast and little or no additives such as sulphites. Orange wines also tend to be lower in alcohol and light in body.
To make an orange wine, you first take white grapes, mash them up, and then put them in a large vessel (often cement or ceramic). This is a natural process that uses little to no additives, sometimes not even yeast. Its low intervention allowing the grapes, terroir as well as the ambient yeast and bacteria to influence the wine.
Then, you typically leave the fermenting grapes alone for four days to sometimes over a year with the skins and seeds still attached.
Because of all this, they taste very different from regular white wines and have a sour taste and nuttiness from oxidation.
These winemakers also choose not to filter or fine. (Some natural wines will have sediment at the bottom of the bottle, these are by-products of the production method and don’t affect flavour or quality.)
You may also hear the term “Ramato,” which means “auburn,” in Italian, and typically refers to Italian Pinot Grigio made in an orange wine style but that's us taking a left turn and we're here for Orange Wine ....Stay focused!
As there is no official charter or definition of what, how and when a wine can be deemed 'Orange' . We have listed a few things to consider when choosing one .
Are the grapes grown organically or biodynamically?
No irrigation.
Hand-picked grapes
No added sugars, yeasts or bacteria.
No adjustments for acidity.
No external flavour additives other than those imparted by barrels (no staves, chips, or liquid extract).
Minimal or no fining before bottling
Light filtration, or none.
Total sulphites 70mg/L.
HL Tip - What's the typical sulphite contents in wines?
There are regulations in place across the globe limiting the amount of sulphites allowed in wine production.
If you do suffer from headaches after drinking wine and feel that it may be linked to the sulphite contents, you'll find these stats beneficial. We always advised to stick to wines produced in the EU , as they are closely monitored and contain the lowest level of sulphites .
Here goes.
South Africa is closest to Europe with a limit of 160 mg/l . Argentina is 180 mg/l , across the border in Chile it has a limit of 300 mg/l .
However the clear winner is the US with a whopping 350 mg/l allowance!!
Something to think about when you're next purchasing wine.
Orange Wines are bold.
Think wood varnish, bruised apple, sourdough, hazelnut, linseed oil and dried orange rind.
On the palate, they're big, big and dry with heavy dry tannins that a decent red would be proud of. Combine that with the sourness of a Lambic beer and we have Orange Wine.
Because of their boldness, Orange wines pair well with equally bold foods, including curry dishes, Moroccan cuisine, Ethiopian cuisine, Korean dishes with fermented kimchi (Bibimbap), and traditional Japanese cuisine. Due to the high tannin and bitterness, orange wines pair with a wide variety of meats, ranging from beef to fish.
But why?
Orange Wine or Georgian Orange wine dates back to 5000 yrs in Caucasus (Modern day Georgia). They fermented their wines in large vessels called Qvevri that were closed with stones and sealed with beeswax.
In the last 20 or so years, winemakers have been exploring this wine making technique, keen to explore the natural route.
Orange wines are still rare, but many producers have a growing interest in this natural winemaking style.
What is clear is that this movement is not a trend that is going away anytime soon . This isn't its Sideways Pinot Noir moment - Its here to stay.
And the reason we feel its different this time, is you .
You're having fun with it and as if by magic you've taken the pomp and pressure away from purchasing wine for the first time. You're embracing the diversity of natural wines, enjoying exploring the different styles and flavours but more importantly, you're not afraid to pop the cork and dive in.
Lets not forget about Pet- Nats?
Pét-nats are sparkling wines made in a manner that predates the so-called “traditional method” used in Champagne (and for most other sparkling wines).
Rather than induce a second fermentation in the bottle to create the bubbles, as Champagne producers do, makers of pét-nat simply bottle the wine before the initial fermentation has ended.
The result is softly fizzy, sometimes lightly sweet from residual grape sugars, usually hazy with unfiltered yeast particles, and typically sealed with a crown cap instead of a cork.
The best way to discovered it is… by taste!
Tubarão Pet Nat
Douro
Loureiro, Vinhão, and others
11.5% abv
Low intervention – Spontaneous fermentation, indigenous yeasts, not filtered wines.
Sustainable wine project
Vegan Friendly
Tubarao Pet Nat has a simple vinification!
They press white and red grapes together without adding sulphites, after a gentle filtration (only to remove larger particles) the winemaker waits for the perfect time bottle.
The rest of fermentation happens in the bottle, this achieves the natural gas.
The famous Masseira da Póvoa de Varzim fields continue to create this Pét-Nat, which is a mixture of several grape varieties in which Loureiro and Vinhão are dominant. Produced by the ancestral method of sparkling wine, it developed a wine with nice bubbles and a very smooth acidity. They did the disgorging for the first time, removing some of the lees from the inside of the bottle whilst still being a natural style sparkling.
Tasting Notes
Hints of grapefruit and rhubarb compliment its firm acidity.
Funky Pet Nat
Thermenregion / Niederöster
Zierfandler , Austria
12% abv
Vegan Friendly
Tasting Notes
A very aromatic pet nat with fruit-forward and hints of rose blossom. Exotic and light, elegant and a perfect balance of acidity and body. Nice easy elegant bubbles.
Food Match
A seducer for every occasion! Think of canapes mixed flavours and textures. Charcuterie boards, cream cheeses, nuts, apples and strawberries.
Simple Pet Nat - Organic
Las Violetas, Uruguay
100% Muscat
12% abv Vegan Friendly
Tasting Notes
Floral lift on the nose with complex spice and notes of rosemary and white peach; fresh on the palate, the acidity driving things along with further herbal, citrus and greengage fruit flavours.
Food Match
Ceviche, all kind of seafood, salad with citrus or fruits
Here's is our Top 5 Natural Wine Recommendation
Los Abandonados Corte Negro - Mixed Vintage Natural
Uco Valley
55% Cabernet Franc 2017 (Los Chacayes)
15% Petit Verdot 2018 (Los Chacayes)
15% Merlot 2017 (Gualtallary)
15% Cabernet Sauvignon
14% abv
This blend brings together the distinct personalities of four noble grape varieties, each contributing to the symphony of flavors.
The dominant Cabernet Sauvignon from El Cepillo provides structure and depth, while the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from Los Chacayes add complexity and nuanced layers.
The Merlot from Gualtallary rounds out the blend, contributing a velvety texture and enhancing the overall harmony.
Hand-harvested with meticulous care, the grapes are sourced exclusively from the renowned Uco Valley, where the terroir imparts character and individuality to each varietal. This blend is a true expression of the art of winemaking, capturing the essence of the region's rocky loam soils, high altitudes, and desertic climate.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of blackberries, cassis, and red plums mingle with subtle notes of tobacco and cedar. The bouquet is complex and layered, showcasing the individual characteristics of each varietal. Experience a full-bodied wine with well-integrated tannins. The palate unfolds with flavors of dark chocolate, ripe cherries, and hints of vanilla from the French oak aging. The blend's structure is complemented by a velvety smoothness, resulting in a wine of elegance and depth
Pair it with grilled meats such as ribeye or lamb to complement its robust structure. The wine's velvety texture makes it an excellent match for dishes featuring rich sauces, such as beef bourguignon or a hearty mushroom risotto
Solar del Alma Natural
100% Malbec
Maipú, Mendoza
14% abv
Vegan Friendly
The journey began in 2015, and after two years of careful experimentation, the desired results were achieved. Sourced from the Maipu vineyard, the Malbec grapes are selected with the utmost care.
The winemaking process is guided by a philosophy of minimal intervention, where the Malbec ferments spontaneously in stainless steel tanks without the addition of sulphites at any stage of vinification. The goal is clear: to create an authentic representation of the vineyard and the Malbec variety.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of dark berries, plums, and a hint of floral notes entice the senses, showcasing the pure expression of Malbec. On the palate, this Malbec reveals a harmonious balance, with a mix of black fruit flavors, subtle tannins, and refreshing acidity.
The absence of added sulphites allows the natural characteristics of the grape to shine through, resulting in a vibrant and expressive wine.
Food Match
Pair it with grilled meats, such as a juicy steak or barbecued lamb, to complement its robust character. Enjoy it with hearty pasta dishes, flavorful stews, or even on its own as a delightful aperitif.
Nakcool
Blend: 80% Muscat Ottonel, 5% Viognier, 15% Ugni Blanc
Las Violetas, Uruguay
9.5% ABV
Vegan Friendly
Tasting Notes
Generous floral aromas on the nose with complex phenolics. The voluptuous palate offers tropical fruit flavours balanced by refreshingly bright acidity and a little phenolic grip on the finish. Delicious well-chilled.
Spontaneous fermentation, unfiltered and unrefined.
Racked twice in the last quarter moon. The Muscat is macerated for 15 days, and the other components are pressed directly.
Food Match
Fresh white cheeses, fish, seafood, salads.
Strange Kompanjie
100% Cinsault
Paarl
13% abv
Vegan Friendly
28 year old, dry grown bush vine Cinsault from organically farmed blocks, brought to Wildeberg where roughly 30% of the fruit is carbonically macerated due to some whole bunch material in the press.
The juice is then allowed to ferment naturally in older French oak. A natural wine with no fining or filtration and very low sulphur levels.
Tasting Notes
The nose is alluringly bright with aromas of fresh strawberry, juicy cherry and crunchy red fruit. The palate reflects these with vibrant, tangy berry fruit, fresh acidity and gently mineral notes which marry together with delicate finesse.
Food match
Great lightly chilled with Mediterranean dishes, chargrilled veg, pan fried shrimp or Asian inspired dishes.
Tubarão Red
Douro
Vinhão (80%) & Alvarilhão
11,5% abv
Low intervention – Spontaneous fermentation, indigenous yeasts, not filtered wines.
Vegan / Veggie friendly
Tubarão red de “Ramadas” 3rd Edition is back – only 1000 bottles were made.
Tubarao Red is a Minho region classic!
With melolatic in bottle so that they can achieve the “fizz” that gives it the versatile, fresh and fun character to this wine.
The Red Shark of Ramadas returns with the 3rd edition. They reserved the batch of vinhão and alvarilhão grapes and the extra year gave it freshness and extra acidity.
The profile remains the classic red minhoto (typical red from Minho). The big change is in the label. They asked illustrator Sofia Ayuso for a new face and everyone was delighted with just the stylish writing.
To be enjoyed at a cooler temperature. Ideally, chill it with your whites!
So, next time you're in Harvey Leonard's and you're trying to chose between
Orange, Pet-Nat, Amber or Naturals. Remember we're always on hand and eager to chat about all things "cloudy" within the exciting world of bottle fermented wines!
And for those of you that what to really explore Natural wines, without committing to a bottle. or are just not sure what to expect.
You're in luck!!
Monday 7th October, we have winemaker Maricruz Antolin from Bodegas Krontiras, Mendoza. They produce the Solar del Alma range - we have their Malbec listed above in our Top 5!
To secure your spot at our next Monday Night Tasting & all tickets information
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