Is orange wine the same as skin-contact? This is a question that I often hear from wine enthusiasts and novices alike. The answer is both yes and no. Let me explain.
Orange wine is a term that has gained popularity in recent years to describe a style of wine that is made from white grapes, but fermented with the grape skins still intact. The result is a wine that has a distinct orange or amber color, hence the name. This method of winemaking is often associated with traditional techniques used in the country of Georgia, where these wines have been made for centuries.
On the other hand, skin-contact is a broader term that encompasses a range of winemaking techniques. It refers to any method where the grape skins are allowed to come into contact with the juice during fermentation. This can include extended maceration, where the juice and skins are left together for an extended period of time, or it can involve shorter periods of skin contact, known as cold soaking or skin maceration.
So, while orange wine is a type of skin-contact wine, not all skin-contact wines are orange wines. Some skin-contact white wines may have a more subtle color, ranging from pale gold to light amber, depending on the amount of time the juice spends in contact with the skins.
Now, let's talk about the appeal of skin-contact white wines. These wines offer a unique sensory experience that sets them apart from their traditional white counterparts. The extended skin contact imparts a range of flavors, aromas, and textures to the wine that can be quite intriguing.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of skin-contact white wines is their tannin structure. Tannins are compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems, and they are typically associated with red wines. However, when white grapes are fermented with their skins, they can also develop tannins. These tannins add structure and complexity to the wine, giving it a more robust mouthfeel and a potential for aging.
In addition to tannins, skin-contact white wines often exhibit flavors and aromas that are not typically found in traditional white wines. These can include notes of dried fruits, orange zest, spice, and even a slight oxidative character. The extended contact with the grape skins allows for the extraction of these unique characteristics, resulting in a wine that is both familiar and yet entirely different.
The growing popularity of skin-contact white wines can be attributed to a few factors. Firstly, there is a growing interest among consumers for wines that are made using traditional methods and techniques. Skin-contact white wines harken back to a time when winemaking was simpler and more hands-on, and this appeals to those seeking a connection with the past.
Secondly, skin-contact white wines offer an alternative to the crisp, refreshing style of many traditional white wines. While there is certainly a time and place for these wines, the richness and complexity of skin-contact whites provide a welcome change of pace for those seeking something different.
Lastly, the quality of skin-contact white wines has improved significantly in recent years. What was once seen as a niche style has now gained recognition and respect from wine critics and enthusiasts alike. Winemakers are experimenting with different grape varieties, fermentation techniques, and aging methods to produce skin-contact white wines of exceptional quality.
While orange wine is a type of skin-contact white wine, not all skin-contact wines are orange wines. The appeal of skin-contact white wines lies in their unique flavors, aromas, and textures, as well as their connection to traditional winemaking techniques. These wines offer a thrilling and unconventional experience that has captured the attention of wine lovers around the world.