Orange Wine Seattle: A Curious Trend Takes Root
Orange wine, with its amber hue and intriguing flavor profiles, has been steadily gaining traction in Seattle’s vibrant wine scene. This unique style, made from white grapes fermented with their skins, offers a bridge between white and red wines, providing a complex and textured drinking experience. Seattle’s adventurous palates have embraced this trend, leading to an increasing availability of orange wines in local restaurants and wine shops.
What Exactly is Orange Wine?
Orange wine, also known as skin-contact white wine, is produced by leaving the skins and seeds of white grapes in contact with the juice during fermentation, a process more commonly associated with red wine production. This extended maceration extracts color, tannins, and flavor compounds from the skins, resulting in a wine with a distinctive orange color, a fuller body, and more complex aromas than traditional white wines. You can learn more about the orange wine process and history.
Why is Orange Wine Popular in Seattle?
Seattle is known for its appreciation of craft beverages and adventurous culinary scene, making it fertile ground for trends like orange wine. Several factors contribute to its popularity:
* **Unique Flavors:** Orange wines offer a wide range of flavors, from stone fruit and citrus to honey and spice, appealing to those seeking something different from typical white or red wines.
* **Food-Friendly Nature:** Their complex structure and tannins make them surprisingly versatile with food, pairing well with everything from cheese and charcuterie to spicy dishes and roasted vegetables.
* **Support for Natural Winemaking:** Many orange wines are produced using natural winemaking methods, appealing to consumers seeking sustainable and ethically produced wines.
* **Sommelier Influence:** Sommeliers in Seattle’s top restaurants have championed orange wine, introducing it to diners and educating them about its unique characteristics.
Where to Find Orange Wine in Seattle
Many restaurants and wine shops in Seattle now stock orange wine. Some notable spots include:
* **Bottle shops:** DeLaurenti Specialty Food & Wine in Pike Place Market, McCarthy & Schiering Wine Merchants, and Champion Wine Cellars often have curated selections.
* **Restaurants:** Look for orange wine listings at sophisticated restaurants that prioritize wine pairings, such as The Herbfarm (when in operation), Canlis, and Oddfellows Cafe + Bar.
* **Wine bars:** Check out neighborhood wine bars like Vif Wine|Coffee and The Seattle Wine Outlet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Wine
What does orange wine taste like?
Orange wine exhibits diverse flavor profiles depending on the grape variety, maceration time, and winemaking techniques. Common flavors include stone fruit (apricot, peach), citrus, dried fruit, honey, nuts, and spices. Some can have a slightly tannic or bitter finish.
Is orange wine sweet?
Orange wine is typically dry, meaning it doesn’t contain significant residual sugar. However, some examples may have a slight perception of sweetness due to the concentrated fruit flavors.
How should orange wine be served?
Orange wine is best served slightly chilled, similar to a light-bodied red wine. The ideal temperature is around 55-65°F (13-18°C).
What food pairs well with orange wine?
Orange wine is incredibly versatile. Try it with cheese, charcuterie, roasted vegetables, spicy dishes, tagines, and even grilled meats.
Is orange wine the same as rosé?
No, orange wine and rosé are different. Rosé is made from red grapes with limited skin contact, while orange wine is made from white grapes with extended skin contact.
Summary
Orange wine has carved a niche for itself in Seattle’s dynamic wine culture, appealing to those seeking unconventional and flavorful experiences. With its distinctive characteristics and food-friendly nature, orange wine is poised to continue its rise in popularity among Seattle’s wine enthusiasts. Explore the offerings at local restaurants and wine shops to discover your own favorite orange wine.
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