Orange Wine: Croatia’s Liquid Gold You Didn’t Know You Needed

Orange wine is made from white grapes, but it’s treated like red wine

Orange Wine: Croatia’s Liquid Gold You Didn’t Know You Needed

Let’s talk about a wine that’s been making waves (and not just because of its eye-catching hue). Orange wine—it sounds like something you might sip at a tropical resort, but it’s actually a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern winemaking trends. And here’s the kicker: it’s not made from oranges! Confused? Let’s break it down.

orange wine isn’t exactly new—it’s ancient

Orange wine is made from white grapes, but it’s treated like red wine. That’s right—just like red wine is made by soaking the juice with the grape skins, orange wine gets its unique character by keeping the skins around during fermentation. Those skins give the wine its punchy flavor and signature amber glow. Think of it as white wine with a little more swagger.

Now, orange wine isn’t exactly new—it’s ancient, like really ancient. We’re talking thousands of years ago when winemaking was more of an art than a science. Back then, people just let nature do its thing. Fast forward to post-World War II, when “clean” and “pure” wines became the trend, and fresh, crisp whites took center stage. But in the past few decades, winemakers have turned back to more characterful, textured wines that let the grape’s true personality shine through. Enter orange wine—a bold, flavorful, and complex option.

We’ve all heard the rules: red wine with meat, white wine with fish—classic.

But the real question is, how do you drink it? We’ve all heard the rules: red wine with meat, white wine with fish—classic. So where does orange wine fit in? Well, think of it as the wild card. It’s a bit like rosé but with a winter twist. While rosé is your go-to for summer BBQs, orange wine steps in as your cozy winter companion. Its spicy, autumnal flavors and light tannins make it a perfect match for fall and winter dishes. From hearty stews to roasted veggies, this wine plays well with seasonal comfort food.

And now, for a little taste test...

The Tasting Croatia’s Liquid Gold You Didn’t Know You Needed

We recently sampled six Croatian orange wines, and let’s just say it was a flavorful adventure. Here’s a glimpse of the lineup:

Boškinac Ocu 2018 (Pag): This cuvée is based on the Gegić grape from Pag island. It’s one of the more subtle options but still packs a fresh, delicate aroma, like winter squash. Expect flavors of peeled apples (one taster even said it reminded them of cider!) and a long finish with hints of almond and orange. It’s elegant, almost full-bodied, and a lovely choice if you’re new to orange wines.

Clai Ottocento Bijelo 2016 (Istria): This pretty amber-orange wine combines Malvazija, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. Think baked apples, caramel, and malt with just a touch of persimmon and strawberry hard candy. It’s incredibly rich but completely dry, making it a biodynamic beauty with plenty of cozy, autumnal vibes.

Galić Macerator 2015 (Slavonia): This 100% Riesling will shatter any preconceptions you have about orange wine. Bright, light, and floral, this wine bursts with fresh notes of cider apples, green mango, lime juice, and a hint of nuttiness. It’s vibrant and absolutely gorgeous—a true standout.

Kos Coctura 2016 (Prigorje-Bilogora): Macerated for a full six months, this Riesling has all the autumn flavors you crave—baked fruit, pumpkin pie, and even a hint of clove. There’s also a cinnamon candy note and just a touch of smoke, making this wine both intriguing and comforting.

Tomac Marany 2019 (Plešivica): This one’s for the floral lovers out there. It looks like a cloudy amber beer and smells like something you’d want to wear as a perfume—insanely floral, with citrus notes like grapefruit and citron. It’s full-bodied, aromatic, and has a beery, spicy hops character. A real conversation starter!

Ready to give orange wine a try?

Veralda Ambra 2017 (Istria): Made from Malvazija Istarska, this wine is golden rather than orange, and its aroma is like baked butternut squash with brown sugar and butter. Flavor-wise, it’s a balancing act between cozy caramel and bright Key lime. It’s almost like dessert but without the sweetness. Organic and oh-so-rich at 14% alcohol.

Ready to give orange wine a try? Whether you’re an adventurous sipper or a seasoned wine lover, there’s something magical about Croatia’s orange wines that’s hard to resist. So, pour yourself a glass, pair it with some roasted veggies or a winter stew, and toast to trying something new. After all, orange really is the new everything.