Orange Wine: A Unique Addition to India’s Wine Scene

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The uniquely flavored orange wine made its debut in India last month and is ideal for adventurous wine enthusiasts.

What Exactly is Orange Wine ?

The most straightforward and uncomplicated approach to classify wines is by their hue, which is essentially their color. There are three main categories of wines: red, white, and rosé. Recently, there has been an exciting addition to the wine world with the introduction of orange wines, which have made their debut in India. Last month, a Mumbai-based retailer known as Wine Park successfully launched this intriguing new category. This new offering features a remarkable array of various tones that are reminiscent of a beautiful sunset, showcasing the unique characteristics of this novel wine type.

The Two Options in Offing

At present, they offer two distinct and unique varieties of orange wines from the acclaimed Italian winery Radikon. The first option is Slatnik Bianco, which is expertly crafted from a blend that includes the popular and versatile Chardonnay grape. The second selection is Sivi Bianco, made with Italy’s most renowned and celebrated white grape, Pinot Grigio. These premium selections, known for their exceptional quality and rich flavor profiles, are priced at ₹8,495 each. With a truly unique and distinct taste, the flavor and enticing scent of these wines closely resemble that of traditional home-brewed rice beer hailing from the North-East region of India, creating a delightful and memorable drinking experience.

What Makes Orange Wine Different ?

The interesting aspect about orange wines is that they are made with the same types of grapes, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc, which also go into the production of refreshing white wines. However, the key difference lies in their production process. Orange wines utilize the same grapes but incorporate the grape skins during fermentation, whereas traditional white wines require only the pulp of the grapes. This skin contact—common jargon within the wine world—results in a distinct pale orange color and a slightly thicker texture in the finished product. Furthermore, the fermentation process typically involves natural yeasts, which plays a significant role in producing the unique and funky flavor profile that characterizes orange wines.

Surging Popularity of Orange Wine

This isn’t a straightforward drink to enjoy; you will either find it appealing or detestable. Nonetheless, it has become quite fashionable as interest in naturally fermented wines continues to grow. According to Kevin Rodrigues, the acclaimed sommelier from Indian Accent, a restaurant in Delhi and Mumbai, biodynamic and natural wines are experiencing a surge in popularity. While orange wines might seem contemporary, they actually date back centuries and originated in Georgia. Rodrigues intends to incorporate them into food pairings so that guests can experience something distinct. Their savory profile, enhanced by notes of umami, sets them apart from other wines and makes them a great match for spicy Indian cuisine. “Both possess that level of intensity,” he observes.

Who Pioneered Orange Wine in India

There’s another contemporary Indian restaurant that has been experimenting with orange wines for quite some time, much before this particular type of wine was even imported to the country. Masque, a renowned establishment in Mumbai, collaborated with Nashik-based Vallonne Vineyards to launch an orange wine named Kustavaan in 2022. This unique orange wine, however, isn’t available for retail purchase and is exclusively served at Masque. “We introduced it to fill a gap in the market. Diners and Indians living abroad, who moved back to the city after the pandemic, specifically asked for this type of wine,” says sommelier Hridhay Mehra of Masque. In their initial production, they made 300 bottles, quickly ran out of them within just 15 months, and now they are currently working on a fresh batch to satisfy the growing demand.

Experimenting With Orange Wine

Wines like these are quite niche and are typically uncovered through fine dining experiences at restaurants where an expert sommelier guides patrons through the tasting journey. “The way I introduced it was in a curated flight of wines that I call homegrown favorites. This selection features six Indian wines that pair perfectly with the food offerings. To encourage experimentation, I would include an orange wine in the mix to prompt guests to try something new and adventurous,” explains Mehra. According to Rodrigues, he makes it a point to be close to the guests when they taste the wine for the very first time, ensuring that their initial impression is not marred by any possibility of encountering a less-than-stellar wine. As of now, it remains a bottle that is highly experimental and opens itself up to a range of tasting notes and experiences.

How Is Orange Wine Made ?

Not all orange wines have that distinctive blue cheese-like fermented taste, though. There are indeed a select few that undergo barrel aging for extended periods of time, which helps to mellow out the flavor profile significantly. Rodrigues recommends exploring orange wines from the Jura region of France, where winemakers typically age these wines for six years or even longer. This extended aging process allows the wines to develop an almost sherry-like characteristic in terms of taste and complexity. For those who are curious and eager to learn more about orange wines, Rodrigues also suggests delving into the excellent wine book titled Amber Revolution. This informative resource is authored by orange wine expert Simon J. Woolf and provides an in-depth exploration into the world of orange wines, their production methods, and their unique flavors.

Conclusion

The recent arrival of orange wines in India, particularly through the Mumbai retailer Wine Park, marks a significant development in the wine landscape. These wines, made from traditional white grape varieties with skin contact during production, result in a distinctive amber color and complex flavor profile reminiscent of home-brewed rice beer. Their savory, umami characteristics make them well-suited for pairing with spicy Indian cuisine such as tandoori chicken. As the interest in natural and biodynamic wines rises, orange wines are gaining popularity among adventurous wine drinkers and are being increasingly featured in upscale Indian restaurants.

FAQs

What is Orange Wine?

It is a type of white wine made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, resulting in a unique color and flavor profile. This process is similar to red wine production but uses white grape varieties.

How is Orange Wine Different from Traditional White and Red Wines?

Unlike traditional white wines, which are fermented without grape skins, they involves prolonged contact with the skins, leading to more tannins, a fuller body, and a distinctive orange hue. It differs from red wine in that it is made from white grapes.

Is Orange Wine a New Concept in India?

While orange wine has been produced in various regions of the world for centuries (especially in countries like Georgia), it has recently gained popularity in India as part of the growing interest in natural wines and experimental wine-making techniques.

Which Indian Wineries are Producing Orange Wine?

Some Indian wineries that have started to experiment with it include Sula Vineyards, Kanu Wines, and Grover Zampa Vineyards. Many small and boutique wineries are also exploring this trend.

How Should Orange Wine Be Served?

It is best served slightly chilled, typically between 10-14°C (50-57°F). It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various foods, particularly dishes with complex flavors.

What Food Pairings Work Well with Orange Wine?

It pairs well with a variety of foods, including spicy Asian dishes, grilled vegetables, cheese platters, and rich poultry dishes. Its acidity and tannins make it versatile for food pairing.

Are There Any Health Benefits to Drinking Orange Wine?

Like other wines, it contains antioxidants that may offer some health benefits when consumed in moderation. However, the key is moderation, as excessive alcohol consumption can have adverse health effects.

Where Can I Find Orange Wine in India?

It can be found in specialty wine stores, select restaurants, and various online shopping platforms that offer curated wine selections. Some local wineries may also provide direct sales.