Also sometimes called orange wines or skin-contact whites, in Georgia, these beauties go by "amber."
We think amber best describes their warm, golden-into-auburn color palette and the intriguing, savory-leaning, softly spiced flavors they often boast.Ā
Many drinkersā first experience with Georgian wine is in the form of amber wineā¦ which is often a whole new perspective ā especially if youāre used to only whites or reds! Do you know how amber wines are made, or what gives them their signature color or distinctive flavors?
How are amber wines made?Ā
White grapes like Georgiaās popular native Kisi or Rkatsiteli are picked and then crushed. Next, instead of immediately tossing out the skins and letting the juice ferment solo, as one would do to make a normal white wine, the clear juice is left to macerate (soak) and ferment in contact with the grapesā golden skins. Like steeping tea, this maceration slowly bleeds pigment from the grape skins, which contributes that signature amber hue to the finished wine. Not only is the wine orange in color, but thanks to the tannins likewise leached from the grape skins, itās also more structured, with a gentle grip and slight astringencyā¦ making amber wines ideal for pairing with rich or complex foods.
Where are amber wines made?
While amber wines have gained in popularity in recent years, with winemakers all around the world experimenting with this style of production, in Georgia, wines have been made this way for millennia. Indeed, Georgia is considered the birthplace of intentional winemaking, dating back 8,000 years!
Today, the Kakheti region of Georgia is most closely associated with amber wines. Think of Georgian ambers as the OGs ā the āoriginal oranges.ā This style was typical in Georgia because, historically, ancient winemakers didnāt have the tools, technology or advanced understanding of fermentation science to separate grape skins from juice prior to fermentation. Instead, they simply tossed entire clusters of just-picked grapes into their qvevriā¦ and then let God/the universe/magic do its trick, eventually turning out a tantalizing (and intoxicating!) golden liquid.
Are amber wines made in amphora or qvevri?
Not always! Amber wines are simply the result of clear (white) grape juice sitting in contact with white grape skins for an extended period of time. In Georgia, thatās often 6-12 months, and often in traditional qvevri ā those large, buried clay vessels. But amber wines can also be made in stainless steel tanks, or oak barrels, or any other fermentation vessel, as long as the juice and skins are soaking together.Ā
Amber winemaking in qvevri is unique because the vesselās shape allows the fermenting wine to naturally circulate, further drawing out texture, flavor and character without any additives or preservatives. When fermentation finishes, the spent yeast, grape skins, seeds and stems naturally settle to the bottom of the qvevri, often precluding the need for any filtration or fining.
What do amber wines taste like?
Oh! Incredible: Exotic, structured, piquant, characterful. Concentrated with sundried, golden fruit, warm woodsy tones and an undercurrent of gentle spice. Enchanting, ineffable and deeply familiar all at once. Make no mistake: Theyāre nothing like your ordinary white wine. In fact, amber winesā savory flavors and richer mouthfeel can feel more akin to red wines, or even dark spirits. If youāre new to ambers, itās a whole new world, ready for enjoyment with new moods, foods and occasions!
Because of their skin contact, amber wines contain a higher percentage of antioxidants and polyphenols, both of which are beneficial to health. Amber wines made from native Georgian grape varieties like Kisi, Rkatsiteli or Mtsvane are softly perfumed and richly layered, with gently gripping tannins. Think notes of dried apricot, mango, pineapple and golden raisin intermingling with savory and spiced turmeric, toasted walnut, chamomile, terra cotta and corianderā¦
How should you drink amber wines?
Enjoy them at a cool (not cold!) cellar temperature ā around 55-60 degrees if weāre being specific, so their unique aromatics and structure can shine ā with soulful food and nourishing company. We love a traditional Georgian stew or heady grilled meats, roasted vegetables or smoked fish, but amber wines can also pair incredibly well with hard cheeses and nuts, Asian cuisines, Latin American flavors, or African spiced dishes. Match the bold intensity of the wine with the food, and ensure the food has a little fat for the wineās tannins to play off of. Looking for specific recipes and pairing recommendations? Right this way.
What are some of the best amber wines?
The best amber wines are the ones you love, of course, and the only way to learn what you love is to try new things! The ones we love best (and that we bring here) are made from small, independent producers working with native Georgian varieties, minimal intervention, a deep respect for tradition and a simultaneous knack for innovation. And while our amber selections run the gamut from juicy and succulent to savory and brooding, each one fits a mood, food, occasion and palate. They're ready for you to discover.
Nothing like your ordinary white.
Enchanting, ineffable and deeply familiar all at once, amber wines are a mood. Let them broaden your horizons and expand your palate. Here's to a new (ancient) world of flavors and textures, and to all the adventures that lie ahead.
