What is Orange Wine? | Why It’s Wild, Natural, and Worth Obsessing Over
What Is Orange Wine? Why It’s Wild, and the Bottles We Can’t Stop Pouring
Let’s clear this up: orange wine isn’t made from oranges. It’s white wine made using red wine methods — white grapes are fermented with their skins and seeds, resulting in wine that’s deeper in colour, richer in texture, and bursting with character. The result is often amber or copper in hue, with bold, savoury notes and a bit of grip on the palate.
If you find white wine too crisp and red wine too heavy, this might be your Goldilocks glass.
What Exactly Is Orange Wine?
Orange wine (also called skin-contact white wine) is made by fermenting white grapes with their skins and seeds — the way red wine is made. This gives the wine its orange hue and adds bold texture and tannins.
Why Is Orange Wine So Popular Right Now?
At Taste Union, we stock a lot of natural wine — but orange wines hold a special place in our (very full) glasses. They’re unpredictable in the best way, packed with flavour and always ready to surprise. From aromatic and punchy to dry and elegant, orange wines are the rebels of the wine world — and we love rebels.
What Are the Best Orange Wines to Try Right Now?
Our orange wine brings together four of our favourite small-batch, skin-contact bottles from the South of France. Here's what you need to try:
🍊 Colline de l’Hirondelle – Bleu (2023)
A skin-contact blend of Terret Gris and Macabeu from one of our all-time favourite domaines. Bleu is light, vibrant, and coppery in colour, with just a whisper of grip and plenty of citrus lift. With only 1,000 bottles made, it’s as rare as it is drinkable.
☀️ Château de Paraza – Été Indien
Made from Gewürztraminer grapes, this skin-contact orange wine brings tropical fruit, spice, and floral notes into one beautifully balanced bottle. It’s bold without being brash, with a silky mouthfeel and a sunny vibe that lives up to its name.
🍑 Gilles Troullier – Maceration Orange
Dry, wild, and full of life, this orange wine made from Macabeu and Muscat à Petits Grains is unfiltered and unapologetically natural. Think orange peel, herbs, and a dry, savoury finish — perfect for pairing with food or sipping slowly.
🍂 Mouton Noir – Les Blancs
A blend of Grenache Blanc and Macabeu, Les Blancs is refined, textural, and deeply aromatic. There’s structure, elegance, and just enough funk to keep things interesting. Serve it with something rich and salty — or nothing at all.
Want to Try Orange Wine for Yourself?
Whether you’re a seasoned skin-contact sipper or brand new to the orange wine world, these bottles are the perfect place to start. Explore the full orange wine collection here — just don’t expect them to stay in stock for long.
Visiting Château de Paraza: Where Orange Wine Meets Canal-Side Charm
If you're planning a wine trip to the South of France, Château de Paraza is a must-visit. Set along the Canal du Midi in the heart of Languedoc-Roussillon, this family-run estate is where their standout orange wine, Été Indien, is made. Visitors can stay on the property, explore the vineyards, and enjoy expert-led tastings of their full range of natural wines. It’s a relaxed, elegant experience that captures everything we love about wine tourism in this region. Want to learn more about the wine and the story behind it? Read our full guide to Château de Paraza and orange wine here.