Orange wine or skin-contact wine: the elegance of a white wine vinified like a red

Discover our natural orange wines. Orange wine, or skin-contact white wine, is a wine made from white grapes vinified in the same way as red wine. Instead of being pressed immediately, the grapes are macerated with their solid parts (skins, seeds, and sometimes stems). It is this maceration that gives the wine its color, which can range up to amber. Orange wines are wines with a lot of character! ---

An ancient tradition brought up to date

Orange wine, although recently in vogue, has its origins in winemaking practices dating back thousands of years. Nearly 8,000 years ago in Georgia, winemakers fermented white grapes with their skins, seeds, and stems in clay jars called qvevri, which were buried underground to maintain a constant temperature. This method gave the wine a characteristic amber color and a richness of aromas typical of this type of winemaking.

Today, this skin maceration technique is enjoying a revival, attracting more and more natural wine lovers and, of course, winemakers producing these wines. Orange wine, or macerated white wine, is now produced in many wine-growing regions around the world, including Georgia, the historical birthplace of wine and this technique, but also today in almost every wine-producing country!

This type of wine has a unique color ranging from very golden yellow to dark amber, and very complex flavors. It is the result of a process where white grapes are left in contact with their skins, seeds and sometimes even their stems for a period of time ranging from a few days to a year... or even longer in rare cases!

A unique vinification process for unprecedented flavors

Unlike traditional white wines, where the juice is quickly separated from the skins, orange wine is made by allowing white grapes to macerate with their solid parts for an extended period of time. This maceration process gives orange wine a tannic structure and aromatic richness reminiscent of red wine, particularly in terms of its structure. Aromas of hazelnut, spices, and dried fruit blend harmoniously, offering a unique taste experience. Citrus, white fruits, and pastry notes may also be present, as well as honey or caramel. Depending on the terroir, grape variety, and maceration time, as with all white wines, the diversity is endless!

Surprising food and wine pairings

Thanks to its tannic structure and aromatic richness, orange wine pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. It goes wonderfully with spicy dishes, Asian cuisine, mature cheeses, white meats, and even certain citrus desserts. Its versatility makes it a valuable ally for chefs and food lovers looking for new taste experiences. It is also very interesting for tasters to discover the effect of maceration on their favorite grape variety! A slightly vegetal Sauvignon can then reveal itself to be completely mineral, while a subtly floral Muscat can decisively intensify its aromatic power.

Cave Pur Jus: a carefully curated selection of orange wines

At Cave Pur Jus, our passion for natural, authentic orange wines comes to life through a rigorous selection of orange wines made from different grape varieties and vineyards across France and around the world. Among the vintages on offer are wines made by winemakers who are always respectful of nature, using organic or biodynamic methods, and sometimes even without added sulfites.

Each orange wine available at Cave Pur Jus is the result of natural and meticulous winemaking that reflects the terroir, the grape variety used, and the winemaker's philosophy. Whether you are a novice or a connoisseur, you will always be able to find an orange wine with aromatic characteristics suited to your tastes, whether it is a rare grape variety, a long maceration wine, or an iconic estate. As with all white wines and all red wines, there is a wide choice!

A friendly and informed shopping experience

In addition to offering a varied range of orange wines, at Cave Pur Jus we are committed to providing you with an intuitive, fun, and enjoyable shopping experience. Detailed product descriptions, personalized advice by email or phone, and our rock ‘n’ roll index, which corresponds to our sulfur barometer, are all tools to help you find the orange wine that's right for you. The opportunity to constantly discover new vintages, accompanied by detailed information about their tasting and vinification, makes Pur Jus a benchmark for natural wine lovers.

Whether you want to explore the world of orange wine or deepen your knowledge, the whole team is here to accompany you in your discoveries, either in person at the Larmor-Plage showroom or online.

Conclusion

Orange wine, with its specific maceration technique and complex flavors, is an exciting alternative to classic white wines and traditional reds. With Cave Pur Jus, orange wines are more accessible than ever, thanks to a carefully curated selection of favorites and great classics. Join us as we dive into this wine color and taste new horizons.