The Rise of Organic Skin Contact Wine: A Return to Tradition
Organic skin contact wine, or orange wine, seems like a new thing but it is really a return to traditional wine making. This article discusses how it is done.
In the ever-evolving landscape of wine, organic skin contact wines have emerged as a celebrated niche, combining age-old techniques with modern sustainability values. These wines, often referred to as "orange wines," are not just a trend but a revival of ancient winemaking practices that highlight the beauty of minimal intervention and the inherent qualities of the grapes.
What is Skin Contact Wine?
Skin contact wine, or orange wine, is produced using white grape varieties but made with techniques typically reserved for red wines. The process involves allowing the grape skins to remain in contact with the juice for an extended period during fermentation. This contact gives the wine a unique color, ranging from deep gold to a vibrant orange, and a complex profile that includes tannins, which are usually absent in white wines.
Organic Winemaking: A Commitment to Purity
Organic winemaking avoids synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, focusing instead on natural methods to cultivate healthy vines. This approach promotes biodiversity, soil health, and ecological balance. In the context of skin contact wines, organic practices ensure that the resulting product is not only flavorful and distinct but also free from harmful chemicals, offering a purer and more authentic wine experience (I call this wine bliss!)
The Process: Crafting Organic Skin Contact Wine
1. Harvesting: Grapes are handpicked to ensure quality and to minimize damage to the fruit. Harvesting by hand is particularly important for organic vineyards to avoid the contamination that can come with machine harvesting.
2. Fermentation: After harvesting, the grapes are crushed, and the juice, skins, and seeds are transferred to fermentation vessels. This can include traditional clay containers, stainless steel tanks, or oak barrels. The organic approach means that fermentation often relies on wild yeasts present on the grape skins.
3. Maceration: The maceration period, where the skins remain in contact with the juice, can last from a few days to several months. This step is crucial for developing the wine's color, tannin structure, and aromatic complexity.
4. Aging: After fermentation and maceration, the wine is aged. The aging process can vary significantly based on the wine maker, which allows for a slow oxidation process that enhances the wine's depth and complexity.
5. Bottling: Finally, the wine is bottled with minimal intervention. Organic skin contact wines are often unfiltered and unfined, meaning they might appear slightly cloudy and contain sediment, which is a natural part of the winemaking process. I get excited when I see a bunch of sediment in the bottle as it is the "good stuff"!
Why Choose Organic Skin Contact Wine?
1. Authenticity: Organic skin contact wines offer a taste of history, echoing the ancient winemaking techniques of regions where these methods have been practiced for millennia.
2. Health and Sustainability: Choosing organic means supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing exposure to synthetic chemicals. This is beneficial for both the environment and personal health.
3. Complexity and Pairing: The unique profile of these wines makes them versatile for food pairing. They can complement a wide range of dishes, from hearty meats to spicy Asian cuisine!
4. Minimal Intervention: For wine enthusiasts who value purity and natural processes, organic skin contact wines represent a commitment to minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery.
Organic skin contact wines are more than a fashionable choice; they represent a profound connection to the land and to traditional winemaking practices. They offer a unique sensory experience that appeals to both the palate and the conscience, making them a compelling choice for those who appreciate the art of wine in its most natural form. As awareness and appreciation for these wines continue to grow, they are poised to become a staple in the cellars of discerning wine lovers around the world.
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"wine that gladdens human hearts" (Psalm 104:15)
See the video below for a review of one of Healthy Wine Guy's favorite organic skin contact (orange wines) from Solminer Winery.