Experience a sunset in a glass with four unique expressions of orange wines from some of the best producers in Alsace, Fruili, and Languedoc-Roussillon.
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If there’s one trend that has truly captivated the wine world in recent years, it’s the rise of orange wine. And to answer the most common question right off the bat: no, it’s not made from oranges. Orange wine is crafted by fermenting white grapes with their skins, much like how red wine is made. This skin-contact method can last anywhere from a few hours to several months, resulting in a beautiful spectrum of what we call “orange” or “skin-contact” wines -- full of texture, color, and complexity.
While Orange wine might seem like it's becoming the "new Rosé", don’t let its rising popularity fool you -- orange wine is far from a passing fad. This ancient winemaking technique has deep roots, with origins tracing back over 8,000 years to the country of Georgia, where fermenting white grapes with their skins and seeds has long been part of tradition.
This week, we invite you to discover this fascinating style for yourself. Enjoy a tasting flight of FOUR distinct orange wines, each showcasing a different varietal and price point. It’s a journey through the bold, the funky, the elegant -- and perhaps even the perfect pairing for your Easter brunch table! Join us in the shop this weekend, flights will be poured Thursday through Sunday.
Cheers!
Mark & The Petit Philippe Team
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Joseph Cattin 'Orange Cattin' Gewurztraminer 2023
Alsace, France
$21 btl/retail (available online HERE)
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The Cattin family vineyards are located on some of the best property in the Alsace AOC and have been passed through 11 generations the family since 1720. This off-dry, skin-contact pressing of Gewurztraminer is a perfect example of the signature Alsatian style of orange wine and the family's rich winemaking history.
Varietal: 100% Gewurztraminer
Harvested from sustainably farmed estate vineyards within the Alsace AOC. Grapes are hand picked and slow crushed to preserve character. Macerated on the skins for 48 hours to impart flavor and color, before aging in old oak casks on the lees.
Tasting Notes: A rich and complex example of an orange wine. Primary notes of passionfruit and lychee with intense spice characteristics on the finish, such as clove and cardamom. A hint of residual sweetness on the finish, balanced by pronounced minerality. This off-dry style of orange wine pairs beautifully with spicy foods and a variety of cheeses.
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Vie di Romans 'Dessimis' Friuli Isonzo Pinot Grigio 2022
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
$59 btl/retail (available online HERE)
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150 acres of vineyards that have been meticulously maintained by the Gallo family for over a century before forming their own winery, Vie di Romans, in 1978. This complex, full-bodied expression of Pinot Grigio will fundamentally alter your perception of this often overlooked grape.
Varietal: 100% Pinot Grigio
Sourced from 23 year-old estate vines in the Friuli Isonzo Rive Alte DOC. Macerated with brief skin-contact before fermenting in stainless steel. Aged for 9 months on the lees in French oak barrels and bottle aged for an additional 8 months prior to release.
Tasting Notes: A rich, full-bodied expression of Pinot Grigio with a light copper color from skin-contact and extended lees aging. Powerful aromas of dried apricots, peaches, and crushed flowers. The palate is fresh with stone fruit and a hint of citrus, with some tannins that add structure and complexity.
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Calmel & Joseph 'Ams Tram Gram Pomone' Blend 2023
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
$30 btl/retail (available online HERE)
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The name, which translates to "Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe" reflects the playful nature of this skin contact blend from renowned winery in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. This is a beautifully balanced orange wine with a unique spiced flavor profile that you won't get from your average white wine.
Varietal: 40% Roussanne, 40% Marsanne, & 20% Terret Gris
Sourced from multiple vineyard sites within the Languedoc-Roussillon region and classified as a 'Vin de France (VdF)'. The Roussanne and Marsanne grapes are destemmed and co-fermented with wild yeast. The Terret Gris is whole cluster fermented separately before being blended and bottled with no sulphites added.
Tasting Notes: A pale amber orange wine with aromatic notes of persimmon, spiced pear, and almond. The palate is well balanced with notes of poached pear, curry, coriander, and flinty minerality. Tannins are well-balanced and elegant with a slight bitterness on the finish.
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Domaine Ostertag 'The New Chapter' Vin Orange 2023
Alsace, France
$67 btl/retail (available online HERE)
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Taking over his father's estate in 1980 when he returned home to Alsace after training in Burgundy, André Ostertag has become revolutionary to the region. He pioneered new viticultural and vinification techniques from other regions in Alsace, producing wines with a hyper-focus on terroir. His style of orange winemaking has had a significant impact on the Alsatian winemaking practice.
Varietal: 90% Gewurztraminer and 10% Sylvaner
Harvested from biodynamically-farmed Alsatian Grand Cru vineyards in the foothills of the Vosges mountains. 10-day skin contact, fermented in stainless steel with 10% whole cluster. Aged 9 mo. on lees and bottled without fining/filtration.
Tasting Notes: A fresh nose with floral notes, aromatic herbs with a subtle touch of candied fruit with intoxicating and captivating spice. The palate presents itself with a juice of elegant substance, revealing a tone of blood orange and cinnamon in the mid-palate, completed by a complex finish due to the Sylvaner providing a long and straight acidity.
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