The fourth wine color - orange

The well-known white, red, and rosé wines are familiar to everyone. I recommend trying the wine of the fourth color - orange wine, known in English as 'amber wine' or 'orange wine.' What makes it special, how it's produced, how it's consumed, what foods it pairs well with, and why it has gained exceptional popularity in recent years?

White wine made like red wine. Amber wine belongs to the group of white wines but is produced like red wine. During production, it has a longer contact with the grape skins and seeds. It contains more phenols, tannins, and color pigments. The wine acquires an amber hue, a fuller body, and texture, often accompanied by caramelized fruit and woody notes in its aroma.

Wine for those seeking adventure and curiosity. Orange wine captivates sommeliers and wine enthusiasts - it invites them to break away from the familiar and embark on discoveries. Due to its unusual and intriguing flavor, amber wine appeals to those who enjoy venturing into the unknown and exploring uncharted territory. This wine encompasses specific characteristics of both white and red wines. Boundaries blur, the wine appears refreshing and light, yet complex and profound.

A vivid tapestry of flavors and aromas. Orange wine entices with an abundance of flavors and aromas, contradicting preconceived notions about what wine should be. Its shades range from sunset amber to deep golden hues, captivating the eye even before reaching the glass. The wine's texture is gentle, akin to silk. Upon tasting, intriguing notes of dried fruits, citrus peel, and exotic spices unfold.

How is amber wine consumed, and what food products does it pair well with? This wine is enjoyed chilled to 12-14°C. Lighter amber wines can be served at 10-12°C. It is typically served in white wine glasses, preferably larger and wider ones. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif. It pairs well with dishes from the Middle East and Asian countries, such as couscous, hummus, falafel, curry, eggplant dishes, and more.

Orange wine - one of the oldest wines, has become trendy this year. For a long time, fermentation with seeds and skins was the traditional method of producing white wine. Only in modern times did white wines become the light and refreshing ones we know today. In recent years, amber wine has become fashionable once again. Why? Consumers are choosing traditions and authenticity, and it is said that the taste of orange wine is non-commercialized.

Which orange wines do I choose?

Princess (Pivnica Čajkov, Slovakia, 2021) - an amber wine that can be found in specialized stores in Lithuania. It has low alcohol content, smells of flowers, and is full of joy. Due to its exceptional lightness, it could be a breakfast wine - without knowing, you might think there's cold jasmine and bergamot tea in the glass. This wine invites you not to take yourself and the world too seriously.

Vino del Poggio Bianco Sauvignon (Italy, 2020) - a wine from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy, produced in a small, new-generation winery. It is characterized by an expressive taste of tropical fruits and a long-lasting salty aftertaste. The wine smells of white flowers, apricots, saffron, and orange peel. This wine can also be found in specialized stores in Lithuania.

I am a professional wine and champagne expert, author of the book "Wine Diary" and have completed wine and champagne courses for experts in various countries. I plan events, provide consultations on food and wine pairing, and organize various tastings. I am also the founder of the Women's Wine Club, dedicated to women interested in wine culture.

If you would like to join the Women's Wine Club in Kaunas or Vilnius, please contact me.

You can find more photos from club gatherings on Instagram @gretabuter.