How Does the Skin Contact Process Enhance the Flavour of Orange Wine?

Orange wine, a unique and increasingly popular category in the wine world, owes its distinctive characteristics to the skin contact process. At Seven Cellars, we’re passionate about introducing wine enthusiasts to this intriguing style. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how the skin contact process enhances the flavour of orange wine, creating a beverage that’s both complex and captivating.

Understanding Orange Wine

Before delving into the skin contact process, it’s essential to understand what orange wine is:

Orange wine is made from white grapes but produced using techniques typically associated with red wine production. The key difference lies in the extended contact between the grape juice and the grape skins during fermentation, resulting in a wine that ranges from amber to deep orange.

The Skin Contact Process

The skin contact process, also known as maceration, is the cornerstone of orange wine production:

1. Extended Skin Contact
   Unlike traditional white wines where the skins are removed immediately after pressing, orange wines keep the skins in contact with the juice for days, weeks, or even months.
2. Fermentation with Skins
   The juice ferments while still in contact with the grape skins, seeds, and sometimes stems.
3. Natural Fermentation
   Many orange wines undergo natural fermentation, relying on wild yeasts present on the grape skins.

How Skin Contact Enhances Flavour

The prolonged skin contact process significantly impacts the flavour profile of orange wine:

1. Increased Tannins
   Tannins, typically associated with red wines, are extracted from the grape skins during maceration. This gives orange wines a distinctive structure and mouthfeel, often described as “dry and sour, with an intense depth of flavour and tannins”.
2. Complex Aromatics
   Extended skin contact allows for the extraction of aromatic compounds from the grape skins, resulting in a more complex and intense bouquet.
3. Nutty and Citrusy Notes
   The skin contact process often imparts unique nutty and citrusy flavours to orange wines, creating a flavour profile that’s distinctly different from traditional white wines.
4. Enhanced Texture
   The extraction of phenolic compounds from the skin contributes to a fuller body and a more textured mouthfeel.
5. Oxidative Character
   Many orange wines develop oxidative notes during the skin contact process, adding layers of complexity to the flavour profile.

Flavour Spectrum of Orange Wines

The skin contact process can result in a wide range of flavours, including:

• Citrus fruits (orange, tangerine, grapefruit)
• Stone fruits (apricot, peach)
• Nuts (almond, hazelnut)
• Dried fruits
• Herbal and floral notes
• Earthy and mineral undertones

The intensity and combination of these flavours can vary greatly depending on the grape variety, length of skin contact, and winemaking techniques.

Comparing Orange Wine to Other Styles

The unique flavour profile of orange wine sets it apart from other wine styles:

1. vs. White Wine
   Orange wines are generally bolder and more structured than traditional white wines, with a more intense flavour profile.
2. vs. Red Wine
   While orange wines share some characteristics with red wines (such as tannins), they typically have a lighter body and unique flavour profile.
3. vs. Rosé
   Orange wines are often more complex and tannic than rosé wines, with a broader spectrum of flavours.

Food Pairing Potential

The complex flavour profile of orange wines, enhanced by the skin contact process, maks them incredibly versatile for food pairing:

“Journey beyond the ordinary white wine pairing, and discover a new food-friendly partner for tasty nibbles, cheese, spice, and even seafood”.

Some excellent pairing options include:

• Bold cheeses
• Spicy dishes
• Grilled meats
• Rich seafood dishes
• Middle Eastern and North African cuisine

The Appeal to Beer Drinkers

Interestingly, the flavour profile of orange wines often appeals to beer enthusiasts: “These style of wines often suit Belgian beer drinkers, there is a definite cross-over in flavour profile”. This crossover appeal highlights the unique position orange wines occupy in the beverage landscape.

Choosing and Enjoying Orange Wine

When selecting an orange wine, consider the following:

1. Grape Variety
   Different grape varieties will impart distinct characteristics to the final wine.
2. Length of Skin Contact
   Longer skin contact generally results in more intense flavours and deeper colour.
3. Producer and Region
   Different winemaking traditions and terroirs will influence the style of orange wine produced.

At Seven Cellars, we offer a diverse range of orange wines to suit various preferences. Our knowledgeable staff can guide you in selecting the perfect bottle for your palate and occasion.

Serving and Storage Tips

To fully appreciate the enhanced flavours of orange wine:

1. Serving Temperature
   Serve orange wines slightly chilled, but not too cold, to allow the complex flavours to shine.
2. Glassware
   Use a white wine glass or a universal wine glass to capture the aromatic complexity.
3. Decanting
   Some orange wines benefit from decanting to allow the flavours to open up.
4. Storage
   Store orange wines in a cool, dark place, as you would with other wines.

Conclusion

The skin contact process is the key to unlocking the unique and captivating flavours of orange wine. By allowing extended contact between grape juice and skins, winemakers create a beverage that’s bold, complex, and unlike any other wine style. From its distinctive amber hue to its rich tapestry of flavours, orange wine offers a truly unique tasting experience.

At Seven Cellars, we’re excited to share our passion for orange wine with our customers. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, we invite you to explore our carefully curated selection of orange wines. Discover the fascinating world of skin-contact wines and experience firsthand how this ancient winemaking technique enhances flavour in remarkable ways.

Remember, the journey into orange wine is one of exploration and discovery. Each bottle offers a new experience, a new combination of flavours enhanced by the skin contact process. So why not pick up a bottle from our collection today and embark on your orange wine adventure?