What is Orange Wine?

What is Orange wine? We forgive you! If you’re wondering what for, it’s for thinking that Orange Wine comes from oranges.

It turns out that this alternative to red, white or rosé wine is named after its color and not after what’s used to make it. Some companies choose to call it amber wine to avoid the apparent confusion.

Credit for the renewed interest in orange wine goes to the European country Georgia and its 8,000 years old winemaking heritage (so orange wine is no fad just in case you were worried). Georgians fermented their wines in a Qvevri (“Kev-ree”), a large earthenware subterranean vessels. They buried these containers underground where temperatures stayed consistent throughout the year after closing them with stones and sealing them with beeswax.

Now you know the answer to What is orange wine? Let’s have a look at how it is different than traditional wine and what it provides for our body.

How Is Orange Wine Made

Some people claim that orange wine is “the new rosé.” Rosé, however, comes from red grapes, skinned early in the winemaking process. Orange wine belongs in the white wine category as it is made from white grapes.

Winemakers or vintners make orange wine by macerating (mashing) white grapes. Fermentation occurs in large cement or ceramic vessels with little to no additives like sulfites or preservatives.

The grape skins and seeds remain in contact with the juice anywhere between a week to a year. Lignin (natural polymer that makes us plant cell walls) in grape seeds, creates the drink’s signature deep orange hue and fuller-bodied taste and tannin flavor.

Red wine is made using a similar winemaking process. Skin contact wines is another name for wines made this way.

What Does Orange Wine Taste Like?

Orange wine is not a fruity white wine. This always surprises first-time drinkers. Wine connoisseurs describe the wine as dry with a hint of fruit beer sourness or nutty tartness. The latter comes from naturally occurring wild yeast.

Drinkers report a wide range of flavors including jackfruit, hazelnut, brazil nut, bruised apple, linseed oil, juniper, sourdough, dried orange rind, and wood varnish.

The wine is best served chilled to 55 to 65 degrees. It pairs well with equally bold foods and cuisines like those from India, Morocco, Ethiopia, Korea, and Japan, as well as with cured meats and hard cheeses. It lasts a little longer than white wine once opened because it has more tannins.

Health Benefits of Orange Wine

Orange wine has powerful polyphenols (phytochemicals). One of the better-researched ones is resveratrol. It is a natural stilbene and a non-flavonoid polyphenol found in the skin of grapes. As a phytoestrogen, resveratrol possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anti-cancer properties.

1. Packed with antioxidants

The body needs antioxidants for protection from free radical damage. Free radicals are cell-damaging atoms that cause oxidative stress. Free radical damage causes aging and increases the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer.

Orange wine is loaded with antioxidants thanks to the presence of compounds like resveratrol, kaempferol, and catechins, all of which function as antioxidants.

2. Lowering cholesterol

Cholesterol, a type of lipid, is produced primarily by the body but also available through diet. High proportions of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which transports cholesterol to the tissues, increases the risk of coronary heart disease.

Orange contains flavonoids, naturally occurring plant pigments, that may reduce atherosclerosis (plaque buildup inside arteries). These compounds may also help improve blood circulation by thinning the blood and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

3. May slow age-related mental decline

Studies show plant compounds like resveratrol may act as a neuroprotectant due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This plant compound breaks down beta-amyloid, protein deposits in the brain, linked to Alzheimer’s, Huntington′s, and Parkinson’s diseases.

4. Positive effect on Diabetes

Research shows that resveratrol activates sirtuins. This cellular health regulation protein may increase insulin sensitivity and subsequently reduce blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes. Resveratrol vasoactive effects may also prevent insulin resistance.

5. Can reduce cancer risk

Studies show the anti-cancer effects of resveratrol can inhibit events linked to the initiation of tumors. Especially in the case of colon, bowel, and prostate cancer.

6. May help to reduce inflammation

Inflammation is one of the immune system’s defense mechanisms, and damage to living tissue cells triggers its actions. Chronic inflammation is a condition that occurs when the body’s defense system stays on alert, unable to turn off.  Studies show that chronic inflammation may be a common factor in many diseases and disorders. Resveratrol’s anti-inflammatory effects inhibit various pro-inflammatory factors allowing the immune system to reset itself to normal ranges.

What is Orange wine – Enjoy with caution

Orange wine is an alcoholic beverage. While drinking moderate amounts may benefit your health, consuming too much is harmful.

Drinking alcohol in excess can result in unhealthy and harmful dependence, weight gain, and liver disease. The risk of cancer, depression, and premature death also increases with heavy drinking.

We hope you enjoyed our article on: What is orange wine? Check out other interesting facts on our food page or check out our keto section.

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