Orange wine, with its distinct taste profile and bold character, has gained immense popularity among wine enthusiasts. Made by fermenting white wine grapes with their skins and seeds, orange wine bridges the gap between white and red wines, creating a flavour profile that’s robust, textured, and complex. Its versatility makes it a fantastic choice for food pairings, particularly with dishes that can complement or balance its earthy, nutty, and slightly tannic characteristics.
In this blog, we’ll explore the best food pairings for orange wine and how to enhance your dining experience with selections available from Seven Cellars.
Understanding the Flavour Profile of Orange Wine
Before diving into pairings, it’s essential to understand the unique flavour profile of orange wine. Depending on the winemaking process and grape variety, the flavours can vary, but common notes include:
- Earthy tones: Hints of dried fruit, nuts, and tea leaves.
- Tannins: A slight astringency similar to red wine.
- Citrus and spice: Notes of orange zest, apricot, or cloves.
- Herbaceous qualities: Undertones of herbs or honey.
These characteristics make orange wine a fantastic partner for diverse cuisines, including rich, spicy, or umami-heavy dishes.
1. Cheese and Charcuterie Boards
Orange wine’s complexity makes it an excellent match for cheese and charcuterie boards, where the variety of flavours and textures can complement its boldness.
- Cheeses: Opt for aged cheeses like Gouda, Manchego, or Pecorino, which pair well with the wine’s nutty and earthy notes. Soft, tangy cheeses like goat cheese or blue cheese can also create an intriguing contrast.
- Charcuterie: Salty-cured meats, such as prosciutto, chorizo, or speck, balance the tannins in orange wine beautifully.
- Accents: Add dried fruits, figs, or nuts to highlight the wine’s fruity and earthy undertones.
This pairing is perfect for casual gatherings or as a starter course.
2. Middle Eastern Cuisine
The spice-forward and herbaceous flavours of Middle Eastern dishes align wonderfully with orange wine’s robust character.
- Dishes to try: Lamb kofta, roasted aubergine, or shakshuka are excellent choices.
- Key spices: The earthy spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric in Middle Eastern cuisine resonate with orange wine’s warm, nutty notes.
- Dips and accompaniments: Hummus and baba ghanoush pair well, with their creamy texture balancing the wine’s tannins.
Middle Eastern cuisine’s variety of bold spices and textures makes it one of the top picks for pairing with orange wine.
3. Asian Cuisine
Orange wine stands out as a great partner for many Asian dishes due to its ability to handle spice, umami, and fermented flavours.
- Japanese: Miso soup, sushi with fermented vegetables, or grilled mackerel align with the wine’s umami undertones.
- Korean: Kimchi pancakes or bulgogi (marinated beef) work well, with the wine balancing the spicy and tangy notes of kimchi.
- Thai: Coconut-based curries or spicy noodle dishes complement the wine’s earthy and citrus notes.
When pairing with Asian cuisine, it’s important to select orange wines with a slight sweetness to counteract the spice in the dishes.
4. Rich, Hearty Stews and Tagines
For heavier dishes, orange wine’s structure and tannins make it an ideal companion.
- Tagines: Moroccan lamb or chicken tagines, with their blend of dried fruits, almonds, and spices, harmonise perfectly with the wine’s depth.
- Stews: Beef or vegetable stews with a tomato base and earthy herbs like rosemary or thyme bring out the wine’s savoury qualities.
- Casseroles: Lentil or chickpea-based casseroles pair particularly well with orange wine’s robust body.
The hearty nature of these dishes complements the bold and textured profile of orange wine.
5. Seafood with a Twist
While white wines are traditionally paired with seafood, orange wine’s tannins and boldness make it suitable for richer or spiced seafood dishes.
- Grilled fish: Tuna, swordfish, or salmon work well, especially with herb or spice crusts.
- Shellfish: Prawns or scallops in butter sauces with garlic and parsley bring out the wine’s citrus and earthy notes.
- Spicy seafood: Dishes like prawn curry or spicy crab are excellent options.
Orange wine is particularly adept at balancing the richness and spice in seafood dishes, creating a memorable dining experience.
6. Roasted Vegetables and Plant-Based Dishes
Plant-based dishes often feature earthy and umami flavours that align seamlessly with orange wine.
- Roasted vegetables: Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or beetroot caramelise beautifully and echo the wine’s sweet and earthy tones.
- Grain-based dishes: Quinoa or farro salads with nuts, dried fruit, and herbs highlight the wine’s nutty and herbaceous qualities.
- Fermented foods: Tempeh or sauerkraut add depth and complexity to the pairing.
Orange wine is a fantastic choice for vegetarian and vegan meals, thanks to its ability to enhance earthy and umami-rich ingredients.
7. Spicy Foods and Barbecues
For bold, smoky, or spicy dishes, orange wine’s structure and citrusy notes cut through the intensity.
- Barbecued meats: Ribs, pulled pork, or spiced chicken pair beautifully with the wine’s bold flavours.
- Spicy dishes: Foods with chilli heat, like jerk chicken or spicy sausages, are balanced by orange wine’s slight sweetness and tannins.
- Smoky flavours: Smoked meats and vegetables echo the wine’s earthy and robust character.
This pairing is perfect for outdoor gatherings or informal meals with friends.
Tips for Choosing the Right Orange Wine
Not all orange wines are created equal, and the pairing success often depends on the specific bottle. Here are a few tips for selecting the right orange wine:
- For lighter dishes: Choose an orange wine with a milder tannin profile and citrusy notes.
- For bold, spiced dishes: Opt for a more robust orange wine with pronounced earthy and nutty flavours.
- Explore grape varieties: Wines made from grapes like Gewürztraminer or Pinot Grigio tend to have fruity and floral profiles, while those from Rkatsiteli or Malvasia have deeper, more robust flavours.
Explore a curated selection of orange wines at Seven Cellars to find the perfect bottle for your next pairing adventure.
Final Thoughts
Orange wine’s bold, complex flavours make it a versatile partner for a wide range of foods, from rich Middle Eastern tagines to light seafood dishes. Its tannins and earthy notes bridge the gap between white and red wines, offering a unique experience that can elevate any meal.
By understanding the nuances of orange wine and experimenting with different pairings, you can create dining experiences that are both delicious and memorable. Browse the exquisite collection at Seven Cellars and start your journey into the world of orange wine today.