What’s The Deal With Orange Wine And Why Is It So Popular In Boston Now?
Where have I been? Recently the subject came up because it was a featured day in the National Day Calendar. Full disclosure, I have never even heard of orange wine, let alone had knowledge there was a day to celebrate it. And I am a wine drinker! Granted, I usually stick to my favorites of Sauvignon Blanc in warm weather and cabernet in cold weather. So, what’s the deal with orange wine and why is it so popular now in Massachusetts?
As covered in a recent Boston.com article, apparently it’s “showing up everywhere in Boston” now. What is it, exactly? Apparently it’s an ancient method of winemaking. Ok, so it’s been around for thousands of years, and I’m just hearing of it. I have to get out more.
Despite the name, Orange wine is NOT made from oranges. The National Day Calendar said, “the wine comes by its color naturally. Fermented from white wine grapes, the orange wine develops through more skin contact during the fermentation process. Makers treat the white grapes like red grapes preserving the bolder body and tannins. As a result, the ordinarily white wine will deepen into a brandy orange color.” Ahh, ok. I’m getting the picture now.
Orange wine is said to be very bold in flavor. It’s called orange wine simply because of it’s amber hues. It’s also know as “skin-contact wine or amber wine,” I’m sorry…ewww on the name “skin-contact wine.” Let’s go with Orange. It is October, after all. It’s referred to skin-contact because the wine is fermented with grape skins on, which is unusual to how we usually hear about wine making. It’s also fermented from several hours to months.
Orange wine is showing up everywhere in Boston, but what is it? https://t.co/pmXgzlo09T pic.twitter.com/fpyMKUsb0v
— Boston.com (@BostonDotCom) October 19, 2023
Boston And Orange Wine
When it comes to Orange wine, Boston is said to be late to the game. It’s been around forever, and in New York it’s been “a thing” for nearly a decade. But, according to the Boston.com story, it’s now showing up Boston. “Boston may have been late to the party in adopting it, but now, it feels like it’s available at every wine bar or restaurants with exciting beverage programs,” as perfectly stated in the article. Check your local wine/liquor stores to see what they offer. Food & Wine suggests THESE brands.