What is Orange Wine?
White wine is fermented grape juice. Orange wine is white wine that has been fermented with the grape skins. The skin gives more complexity and flavours to the wine and changes the colour and texture.
Described as hipster, these wines definitely offer a bit of funk, and this 2020 from Litmus Wines is no exception. Hand harvested Bacchus and Pinot Noir (90%/10%) make up this blend, with the Bacchus fermentation taking 18 weeks on the skins, and Pinot Noir (not on the skin) in oak barriques.
A golden wine with zippy acidity and more developed flavours including citrus, vanilla and toasted almonds and hazelnuts. Smooth texture and long finish made this one of the better orange wines I’ve tried and at £17.50 a bottle it’s good value for a premium English wine. The 2020 vintage is now sold out, but I know they’ll be making another one soon so it’s worth looking out for the famous star wheel. This symbol is a representation of the Coccolith, an ancient sea creature who’s fossils and calcium shell make up the chalky soil of the vineyards.