October 6th is upon us again—the day when wine enthusiasts around the world turn their attention to the underdog of the wine world: Orange Wine. Now, I know what you’re thinking—orange wine? Is this some new trend? Have I missed something? Let me assure you, this isn’t a passing fad. In fact, orange wine has been around longer than your great-great-grandfather’s prized Bordeaux collection.
I remember my first encounter with orange wine. It was a humid summer evening at a tiny bar in Venice, Italy. The bartender slid a copper-colored glass my way with a sly grin. “Try this,” he said, “It’s what all the cool nonnas drink.” Skeptical but curious, I took a sip. It tasted like liquid poetry—notes of dried apricots and toasted hazelnuts, wrapped in a seductive grip of tannins. I was hooked. I left that night with a bottle under each arm and a head full of questions about this mysterious elixir.
Fast forward to today, and orange wine has become a beloved companion in my cellar. So, if you haven’t jumped on this bandwagon yet, here are six solid reasons why you should uncork a bottle this October 6th and join the party.
Reason #1: A Wine for the Adventurous Palate
Orange wines aren’t for the faint of heart. They’re bold, brash, and sometimes a little rough around the edges—like the rebellious cousin who shows up unannounced but always makes family gatherings more interesting. With their tannic structure and savory notes, these wines will challenge your palate in the most delightful way.
Remember when you thought “Pet Nat” was a typo? Well, it wasn’t, and neither is orange wine. Made with white grapes that are fermented on their skins (just like reds), they blur the line between red and white, adding an extra dimension to your tasting experience. And if that doesn’t make you feel like a daring wine explorer, nothing will.
Reason #2: Food Pairing Perfection
You think a buttery Chardonnay pairs well with food? Meet its new rival. Orange wine’s earthy, slightly oxidative flavors stand up to a variety of dishes, from nutty cheeses and roasted vegetables to dishes with a spicy kick.
Case in point: I once paired a bottle of Château Haut Meyreau’s “Orange is the New Wine” with a bubbling pot of spicy kimchi (yes, that’s Korean stew). The result? Magic. The wine’s bright acidity cut through the heat, while its slightly grippy texture added a surprising contrast to the rich, umami flavors of the dish. Moral of the story: Don’t shy away from unexpected pairings.
Reason #3: A Conversation Starter at Any Gathering
Show up at a dinner party with a bottle of orange wine, and watch as eyebrows rise and conversations start buzzing. “Wait, is this actually made from oranges?” “Why does it taste so different?” Orange wine is the ultimate ice-breaker. It gives you an opportunity to share a little wine knowledge and introduce something new.
It’s more than just a drink; it’s a story in a glass. So go ahead, pour a round, and regale your friends with tales of ancient Georgian amphorae or monks fermenting wine in clay pots thousands of years ago. (Okay, maybe skip the part about monks if your friends are the rowdy type, but you get the idea.)
Reason #4: A Nod to Ancient Winemaking Traditions
Speaking of monks and clay pots, orange wine is as old as the hills—literally. It dates back 5,000 years to the vineyards of Georgia (the country, not the peach-laden state). Those clever Georgians discovered that leaving grape skins in contact with the juice created a wine with layers of flavor and complexity.
So, when you raise a glass of d.b Schmitt’s “Wild Pony,” you’re not just drinking wine; you’re connecting with a winemaking tradition that has stood the test of time. I’ve always found it fascinating that the same techniques that produced wine for ancient royalty can be enjoyed by us today—on a lazy Sunday afternoon no less!
Reason #5: Join a Global Celebration of a Rising Star
By choosing orange wine on October 6th, you’re not just indulging in a delightful glass. You’re joining a global movement of wine lovers celebrating this unique style. It’s the wine version of “wearing pink on Wednesdays” but cooler and with a lot more tannins.
And here’s a secret: the more you support it, the more these small, dedicated producers thrive. You’re not just choosing a bottle; you’re choosing to support a tradition and ensuring that more people have the opportunity to discover this liquid gem.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re a seasoned orange wine fan or simply orange wine-curious, make a little room in your cellar (or fridge) for a few bottles this October 6th. It’s time to raise a glass, toast to the unexpected, and revel in the delightful surprise that is orange wine. You just might find yourself reaching for it long after the day has passed.
Ready to explore? Take a look at our Orange Wine collection [here] and see where your palate takes you!
Cheers,
Macy Nguyen
The Curious Cork Popper
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