O R A N G E W I N E I S A B I T O F A M I S N O M E R – T H E R E A R E N O O R A N G E S I N V O LV E D I N I T S M A K I N G . I T ' S A T Y P E O F W H I T E W I N E M A D E B Y L E AV I N G T H E G R A P E S K I N S A N D S E E D S I N C O N TA C T W I T H T H E J U I C E , C R E AT I N G A N O R A N G E - H U E D F I N I S H
Wo rd s: L Í V I A M O K R I
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ALES OF ORANGE WINE have exploded in recent years,
but having time on the skins can rein in those though its history goes back for thousands: it is possible, aromatics, giving them structure and a in fact, that orange wine was the first type of wine to be bit more acidity that develops into something produced from white grapes. quite interesting. Just think of an orange wine as a white wine made The flavour of orange wine can be surprising, and in the red wine process. In white winemaking, you it’s an exciting experience for novices. These wines are usually press the grapes and separate the juice from described as robust and bold. On the palate, they are the skins, whereas with orange wine, the juice bulky and dry, have some tannins, and high acidity in the is left to macerate on both the skins and the stems. This not first year. Although each orange wine has its own personality only turns the juice a shade of orange, but also gives the wine (depending on the variety of grape, the terroir, the time it is body, tannins, and an added complexity. The skin maceration left to macerate, etc.), they tend to have complex aromas of process for these wines can last anywhere between a couple candied fruit, nuts, and spices. Here in Portugal, these wines are of hours to some months, resulting in wines that vary also called Vinho de Curtimenta. greatly in colour and flavour. Tanning is the term used in the country to designate this The taste of orange wines is very different from that winemaking method, used in general for reds and some rosés, in of regular whites as the oxidation imparts a sour taste which the must macerates and ferments in contact with the skins, pips and nuttiness, and colours might range from cloudy and stems. lemon to dark amber. Orange wines (or tanning whites) are whites that also follow this In terms of grape varieties, aromatic vines such particular vinification method. They are produced in many areas of this as Arinto or Alvarinho tend to lend themselves country, but the Alentejo has long been the guardian of the tradition of well to orange wine because these grapes orange wines, which are intrinsically linked to the history, culture and social can be overbearingly flowery on the nose, life of the region.
l ALGARVE P L U S
Know your oranges
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WINE PLUS
