And no, it’s not made from oranges..
The first time I encountered orange wine (or skin contact white wine), I was wowed by the color and it’s presentation. It’s gorgeous. This beautiful, amber-hued liquid danced around the edges of my swirling wine glass. I gave it a sniff and it was so earthy, not what I was expecting. Then I gave it a sip. Truth be told, I did not like it.
But the story doesn’t end there. I couldn’t just give up. I had to try more and attempt to understand why people love it so much. Fast-forward many bottles of orange wine later, and I will say, I’m a fan. Big time. Earlier in my wine journey, I thought orange wine was something new and a trend. We have red whites, we have rosé wines, we have white wines and now we have orange? I slowly started seeing it everywhere in the stores and on wine menus without realizing how old it is. This style of wine can be traced back to the times of Antiquity from countries like Georgia 8000 years ago. What makes orange wine so fascinating to me is the range of notes from earthy, creamy, floral, bitter, herbaceous, citrus, and astringent.
So, What Is Orange Wine?
In short, its white wine made in the same process as red wine. When red wine is made, it is crushed, put inside a vat and it sits with the skins. There is a term in viticulture called skin contact, that’s when the juice interacts with the skin during the fermentation process. This is what gives orange wine its color, flavor and texture.
Like most wines, not all orange wines are created equal, and I learned that from trying multiple types of orange wine. I have created a list of some of my favorites that you can get around town. I’ve included wines in the $20-$30 range, starting with the most economical. Four of the orange wines are liter bottles which are great for sharing (only if you want to). Listed below are a variety of tasting notes and great food pairings for each of the bottles. Don’t think of orange wine as a new type of wine, think of it as a new style of wine for you to explore. So, raise your glasses. Happy tasting!
🍊 Pullus Haložen Orange – 1L
Origin: Slovenia
Grapes: Welschriesling, Muskat
Tasting Notes: Fresh, acidic, and herbaceous with apple, apricot, starfruit, and a funky finish.
Pairings: Pairs well with bold and spicy dishes like Thai curries, French onion soup, kimchi, chili, banh mi, beef stew, and carne asada.
Approx. Price: $20
Where to Find: Second Bottle, Dinner Party, Barrel Thief, Union Market
⚡️ Troupis ‘Thunder’ Moschofilero – 1L
Origin: Greece
Grapes: Moschofilero
Tasting Notes: Dry and crisp with tropical notes—starfruit, guava, melon, kiwi.
Pairings: Great with gooey cheeses, deviled eggs, pizza, hummus, grilled veggies, smoked salmon, and tinned fish.
Approx. Price: $20
Where to Find: Click Wine Spot
🌸 Gulp Hablo Orange – 1L
Origin: Spain
Grapes: Verdejo, Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting Notes: Zesty and malty with aromas of apricots, orange blossom, and orange peel. Like drinking orange spice tea.
Pairings: Great with umami-forward dishes—miso soup, grilled mushrooms, stuffed olives, roasted meats, fried rice, ratatouille.
Approx. Price: $22
Where to Find: Second Bottle, Barrel Thief, Stella’s Grocery
🌞 Cacique Maravilla ‘Vino Naranja’
Origin: Chile
Grapes: Muscat of Alexandria
Tasting Notes: Bright and tropical with hints of white tea, pith, and tangerine.
Pairings: Pairs well with fried, spicy, and cheesy foods—Korean fried chicken, mozzarella sticks, Jamaican beef patties, shawarma.
Approx. Price: $23
Where to Find: Truckle Cheesemongers, Jardin, Afterglow Coffee Cooperative
🌿 Cantina Furlani – Altopiano Orange
Origin: Italy
Grapes: Müller-Thurgau
Tasting Notes: Crisp and tart with lemon, green apple, marjoram, and a floral nose.
Pairings: Excellent with light, fresh dishes—grilled fish, shellfish, salads, caprese, antipasto, Brussels sprouts.
Approx. Price: $24
Where to Find: Second Bottle, Jardin, Stella’s Grocery
🥭 Field Recordings Skins Orange
Origin: California
Grapes: Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, Albariño
Tasting Notes: Floral and balanced with peaches, mandarins, and a touch of spice.
Pairings: A versatile bottle that works with gyros, carnitas, seafood, pasta salad, BBQ, and even popcorn.
Approx. Price: $26
Where to Find: Truckle Cheesemongers, Stella’s Grocery, Union Market, Penny’s Wine Bar, Little House Green Grocery, Shields Market
🔥 Wonderwerk Big Orange – 1L
Origin: California
Grapes: Muscat Canelli, Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Torrontes, Verdelho, Alvarinho, Verdejo
Tasting Notes: Bright and earthy with lemon, lime, thyme, nectarines, white tea, and a hint of honey.
Pairings: A bold wine for bold dishes—grilled seafood, Indian curries, jerk chicken, pâté, mushroom risotto, blue cheese.
Approx. Price: $26
Where to Find: Union Market, Oxford Cellars, Stella’s Grocery, Dinner Party
🧡 Common Wealth Crush ‘Mise’
Origin: Virginia
Grapes: Petit Manseng, Albariño
Tasting Notes: Fizzy, fruity, and lightly mineral with jasmine, peaches, and a salty finish.
Pairings: Holds up to rich, savory, and seafood dishes—lasagna, mac & cheese, shepherd’s pie, paella, ceviche, crab cakes.
Approx. Price: $30
Where to Find: Union Market, Oxford Cellars, Stella’s Grocery, Penny’s Wine Bar
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