Orange flavor in wine can be found in a style known as orange wine. Orange wine is made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, just like red wine, which gives it a distinct orange color and unique flavor profile. This style of wine has gained popularity in recent years for its rich and complex taste. Here are some notable orange wines to try:
1. Radikon Pinot Grigio: Radikon is a renowned wine producer known for their orange wines. Their Pinot Grigio is a standout, with flavors of honeysuckle, stone fruit, and citrus. It has a rich and full-bodied texture, with a long and lingering finish. This wine is perfect for those looking to explore the world of orange wines.
2. Gravner Ribolla Gialla: Josko Gravner is another pioneer of orange wines. His Ribolla Gialla is a highly sought-after example of this style. It is made using traditional Georgian winemaking techniques, which involve extended skin contact and aging in clay amphorae. The resulting wine has a deep amber color and a complex flavor profile, with notes of orange peel, dried apricot, and exotic spices.
3. La Stoppa Ageno: From the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy, La Stoppa produces an orange wine called Ageno. Made from the Malvasia and Ortrugo grape varieties, this wine exhibits a vibrant orange hue and aromas of orange blossom, dried herbs, and tropical fruits. It has a lively acidity and a slightly oxidative character, making it a fascinating and enjoyable wine to explore.
4. Gravner Breg: Another exceptional wine from Josko Gravner, Breg is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. This wine spends a considerable amount of time on the skins, resulting in a deep amber color and intense aromas of dried orange peel, honey, and spices. On the palate, it is rich and textured, with layers of flavor and a long, complex finish.
5. Radikon Slatnik: Radikon makes another appearance on this list, showcasing their Slatnik wine. Made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc, this orange wine is full-bodied and robust. It displays flavors of ripe oranges, dried apricots, and honey, with a hint of oxidative notes. The wine is bold and powerful, with a distinctive character that sets it apart.
These are just a few examples of the wide range of orange wines available. Exploring this style of wine can be a delightful and adventurous journey, as each wine offers its own unique expression of orange flavors and aromas.