How to perfectly pair orange wine

While orange wine has been around for thousands of years, it’s only recently made its way into bars, restaurants, soirées.
It’s custom to pair white wine with lighter fare and reds with more substantial dishes, so how to compliment orange wine remains a mystery to most.
Not anymore.
The Gourmet Insider speaks to the experts and tells us exactly how to perfectly pair these delicious and versatile wines.

As a former chef, a former restaurateur on the Upper East Side in Manhattan called Trois-Jean and wine connaisseur, orange wine, also known as skin-contact wine, is becoming increasingly popular among wine lovers. This type of wine is made by leaving white grapes in contact with their skins for an extended period, giving the wine its distinctive orange color and a unique flavor profile. The complexity of orange wine can make it challenging to pair with food. In this blog, I'll share some tips on how to perfectly pair orange wine.

1. Consider the intensity of the wine
    When it comes to pairing orange wine with food, the intensity of the wine is an essential factor to consider. Orange wine can range from light and refreshing to rich and full-bodied. Lighter orange wines pair well with lighter dishes, while richer wines are better suited to more substantial meals. If you're serving a lighter orange wine, try pairing it with fresh seafood, grilled vegetables, or light pasta dishes. For richer wines, consider pairing them with heartier dishes like roasted meats or stews.

2. Match the acidity
   Acidity is another critical factor to consider when pairing orange wine with food. High-acid orange wines pair well with acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus, and vinaigrettes. The acidity in the wine helps to balance out the acidity in the food, resulting in a more harmonious pairing. On the other hand, if you're serving a lower-acid orange wine, consider pairing it with more substantial and less acidic dishes.

3. Look for complementary flavors
   When pairing orange wine with food, look for flavors that complement each other. Citrus and tropical fruit notes in the wine pair well with dishes that have similar flavors. For example, a citrusy orange wine would pair well with a salad that has a citrus-based dressing. Similarly, a wine with tropical fruit notes would pair well with a tropical fruit salsa or ceviche.

4. Contrast with bold flavors
   While complementary flavors are a good starting point, sometimes it's the contrasting flavors that make for the most interesting pairings. Orange wine's earthy and nutty notes can be a good match for dishes with bold, savory flavors like aged cheeses, cured meats, and olives. The contrasting flavors can create a balance that enhances both the wine and the food.

5. Consider the tannins
   Like red wine, some orange wines have tannins, which can make them a good match for protein-rich foods. Tannins help to break down the proteins in meat, making them taste tender and juicy. If you're serving an orange wine with tannins, consider pairing it with a hearty meat dish like roasted lamb or beef stew.

6. Think about the texture
   Texture is another essential factor to consider when pairing orange wine with food. Creamy or buttery dishes pair well with a fuller-bodied orange wine, while lighter dishes pair well with a lighter wine. When pairing orange wine with cheese, consider the texture of the cheese. Creamy cheeses like brie pair well with fuller-bodied orange wine, while lighter cheeses like goat cheese pair well with lighter wine.

7. Experiment
   Finally, don't be afraid to experiment when pairing orange wine with food. While there are some general guidelines to follow, everyone's taste is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Try pairing different dishes with different orange wines to find your perfect match.

In conclusion, orange wine is a unique and complex wine that can be challenging to pair with food. When pairing orange wine with food, consider the intensity of the wine, the acidity, the flavors, the tannins, and the texture. Look for complementary flavors, but don't be afraid to experiment with contrasting flavors. With a little practice, you'll be able to perfectly pair orange wine with your favorite dishes.

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