What Is Orange Wine? Auguste Orange Natural Wine Explained
By Alcohol Delivery Los Angeles | Sipsy: LA's Best Alcohol Service | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Buying Guides
Orange wine is a skin-contact white wine with tannins and texture. Here's what to expect from Maison François Duchot Auguste Orange Natural Wine.
Quick answer
Orange wine is a white wine made by leaving the grape skins in contact with the juice during fermentation, giving it color, tannins, and texture. Maison François Duchot Auguste Orange Natural Wine is a great example, blending Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris with 15 days of skin contact.
What does orange wine taste like?
Orange wine has a flavor profile that's different from both standard whites and reds. You can expect notes of dried citrus, stone fruit, honey, and sometimes a slight nuttiness or tannic grip. The skin contact also adds a subtle bitterness and a fuller mouthfeel, making it a versatile food wine.
How is orange wine made?
Unlike typical white wines where the juice is separated from the skins immediately, orange wine involves extended skin contact. Grapes are crushed and left to macerate for days or weeks. The Maison François Duchot Auguste, for example, spends 15 days on the skins with de-stemmed grapes, allowing delicate tannins to integrate. This minimal-intervention process is key to its character.
Frequently asked questions about orange wine
- Is orange wine the same as natural wine?
- Not exactly. Orange wine refers specifically to the winemaking method of skin contact for white grapes. While many orange wines are made with minimal intervention, not all natural wines are orange, and not all orange wines are certified natural. The Auguste Orange is a natural wine due to its minimal-intervention approach.
- What foods pair well with orange wine?
- Orange wine's tannins and acidity make it a fantastic match for a wide range of dishes. Try it with roasted vegetables, grilled fish, creamy cheeses, or spicy Asian cuisine. It also works well with charcuterie and dishes that have a bit of bitterness, like kale or radicchio.
- How should I serve orange wine?
- Serve orange wine slightly chilled, around 50-55°F (10-13°C). This temperature highlights its aromatic complexity without muting the texture. Decanting for 15-30 minutes can also help soften any tannins and open up the flavors. Experiment with food pairings; orange wine is surprisingly versatile.
Product facts
- Maison François Duchot Auguste Orange Natural Wine - 750ml: Maison François Auguste Orange Natural Wine is crafted from equal parts Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris, with 15 days of skin contact using de-stemmed grapes. This method creates a luminous, textured wine with delicate tannins, offering a balanced introduction to orange wine without being overly astringent.
Maison François Duchot Auguste Orange Natural Wine - 750ml
