Can You Get Orange Wine in the UK?
Orange wine, also known as amber wine, with its rich history and unique flavour profile, has been making waves in the wine world in recent years. But can you get orange wine in the UK? The short answer is yes—orange wine is available and increasingly popular among wine enthusiasts across the country. In this blog, we’ll explore where you can find orange wine in the UK, what makes it different from other wines, and why it’s worth adding to your collection.
What Is Orange Wine?
Before diving into where you can find orange wine in the UK, it’s important to understand what orange wine, also known as Amber wine, actually is. Despite its name, orange wine isn’t made from oranges. Instead, it’s a type of skin-contact wine made from white grapes. The key difference between orange wine and traditional white wine lies in the winemaking process. For orange wine, the grape juice is fermented with the skins still intact, maintaining contact with the grape, much like how red wine is made. This extended contact with the grape skins gives the wine its distinctive amber or orange hue, along with a complex and often bold flavour profile.
How Is Skin-Contact Orange Wine Made?
Orange wine is made using a traditional method that dates back thousands of years. The method has its roots in Georgia, the birthplace of skin contact winemaking. The process begins with white grapes, which are crushed and left to ferment with their skins and seeds. The history of skin contact winemaking dates back thousands of years, emphasising the traditional techniques used to produce orange wine. The extended skin contact allows the wine to develop deeper flavours, more tannins, and a unique colour that ranges from golden to deep amber. The result is a wine that has the body and structure of a red wine but the fruitiness and acidity of a white wine, making it a truly versatile and intriguing choice for any wine lover.
What Does Orange Wine Taste Like and Can You Get It in the UK?
Absolutely! Orange wine has gained significant popularity in the UK over the past few years, and it’s now easier than ever to find a bottle to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a well-known brand or a small-batch producer, there are several ways to purchase orange wine in the UK:
- Online Wine Retailers: Many online wine shops now stock a variety of orange wines, including biodynamic wines, offering selections from around the world, including Italy, Georgia, and even the UK. Shopping online allows you to browse a wide range of options, read reviews, and have your chosen bottle delivered directly to your door.
- Specialist Wine Shops: If you prefer to see and taste before you buy, specialist wine shops are a great place to find skin-contact wines like orange wine. These shops often have knowledgeable staff who can guide you to the best selections, including natural wines, and recommend food pairings.
- Restaurants and Wine Bars: As orange wine has grown in popularity, more restaurants and wine bars across the UK have started including it on their wine lists. Enjoying orange wine in a restaurant setting can be a great way to try different varieties and find your favourite style.
- Local Vineyards: Believe it or not, some UK vineyards are also producing their own versions of orange wine. Visiting a local vineyard can be a wonderful way to learn more about the winemaking process, taste different wines, and support British producers.
Why Is Orange Wine Becoming Popular in the UK?
The rise of orange wine in the UK can be attributed to several factors. First, there’s the increasing interest in natural and minimal-intervention wines, which often include orange wines. Wine enthusiasts are drawn to the unique flavour profiles and traditional winemaking techniques used to produce orange wine. The versatility of orange wine makes it an appealing choice for pairing with a variety of foods, and orange wine pairs perfectly with strong flavours, from rich meats to spicy dishes.
Moreover, the trend towards exploring lesser-known wine styles has made skin-contact wine more appealing to those looking to expand their palates beyond the typical reds, whites, and rosés. The distinctiveness of orange wine, with its tannins, structure, and wide range of flavours, offers something new and exciting for both seasoned wine drinkers and those new to the world of wine. If you're wondering what orange wine tastes like, it offers a unique and complex flavour profile with notes of herbaceous, fruity, and funky, along with notable texture and tannins.
How To Enjoy Orange Wine?
There are a few tips to enhance your tasting experience with this unique natural wine. Serve orange wine slightly cooler than room temperature, ideally around 12-14°C, to bring out its complex flavours and aromas. To fully appreciate its depth, consider using a larger wine glass that allows the wine to breathe and develop in the glass. Whether sipping it on its own or alongside a meal, orange wine offers a versatile and intriguing option for those looking to explore beyond traditional wine choices.
Orange Wine Food Pairing In The UK
Due to its unique structure and tannins, similar to red wine, it pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods, from rich meats and stews to spicier dishes and aged cheeses. Whether you’re enjoying rich meats, spicy dishes, aged cheeses, or vegetarian fare, orange wine will elevate your dining experience.
- The tannic structure of orange wine makes it an excellent match for rich, fatty meats such as lamb, pork, or duck. The wine’s acidity cuts through the fat, balancing the dish while enhancing its flavours. Slow-cooked stews or braised meats, with their deep, savoury notes, also pair wonderfully with the boldness of orange wine, creating a harmonious dining experience.
- Try pairing orange wine with dishes like chicken curry, spiced lamb kebabs, or Moroccan tagine. Its robust character can hold its own against spicy and aromatic dishes, making it a great companion for cuisines like Indian, Middle Eastern, or North African.
- Aged cheeses, such as Gouda, Parmesan, or aged Manchego, find a perfect partner in orange wine. Its earthy and nutty notes complement the cheese’s deep, savoury flavours.
- For those who prefer plant-based meals, orange wine pairs exceptionally well with dishes featuring root vegetables, mushrooms, and legumes. The wine’s earthy undertones complement the natural flavours of vegetables, while its acidity brightens up the dish. Roasted root vegetables, mushroom risottos, and lentil stews are just a few examples of vegetarian dishes that shine alongside orange wine.
- While white wines are traditionally paired with seafood, orange wine offers a bold alternative. Pairing orange wine with grilled octopus, mackerel, or dishes featuring rich sauces and spices can enhance the flavours of the seafood while adding an intriguing depth to the meal.
In summary, if you’re wondering whether you can get orange wine in the UK, the answer is a resounding yes. With its growing popularity, you can easily find orange wine through online retailers, specialist wine shops, and local vineyards. This unique style of skin-contact wine offers a rich and diverse tasting experience, making it a must-try for anyone looking to explore new wine horizons.