Orange wine, also known as skin-contact white wine or skin-macerated white wine, intrigues and captivates. Long regarded as a curiosity on the fringes of tradition, it is now asserting itself as a bold and authentic expression in the world of natural and living wines. In Bordeaux, where conventions are often well established, Château Cazebonne stands among the pioneering estates exploring this path, offering a fresh and memorable tasting experience.

But what exactly is an orange wine or skin-contact wine? It is a wine crafted from white grape varieties, but vinified in the manner of a red wine. Rather than being pressed immediately after harvest, the juice ferments and macerates in prolonged contact with the skins (and sometimes stems). It is this skin contact that imparts its distinctive characteristics:

• A captivating colour palette

  Its colour ranges from deep gold to vibrant orange, or even amber-copper, resulting from the extraction of pigments present in the skins of white grapes.

• Surprising structure and texture

  The presence of these anthocyanins and tannins extracted from the skins gives the wine a tannic structure and mouthfeel distinct from classic white wines, with a gentle astringency that enhances its complexity.

• Rich and complex aromas

  The aromatic profile is intricate and evolving, blending notes of dried fruits (apricot, quince), candied orange peel, black tea, sweet spices, honey, and sometimes a subtle, controlled oxidative touch that brings depth.

• Unsuspected gastronomic versatility

  Its structure and complexity make it an ideal companion for bold and varied food and wine pairings, from spiced world cuisines to mature cheeses, as well as revisited traditional dishes.

Our approach to producing orange wine in Bordeaux is driven by several strong convictions:

• A quest for innovation and exploration

  Exploring new expressions of our white grape varieties and our Graves terroir while stepping off the beaten track.

• A nod to ancestral practices

  Skin maceration of white grapes is nothing new. It was once widely practised, notably in Georgia—the cradle of viticulture—where wines were crafted in clay amphorae.

• A desire to offer wines of character

  Orange wines boast an assertive personality that appeals to wine enthusiasts seeking new discoveries and original styles.

Understanding orange wine: a rediscovered tradition

Orange wine, often dubbed the "fourth colour" of wine, is not a modern invention, but rather the result of rediscovering ancestral techniques. Before the industrial era, macerating white grapes with their skins was common practice, especially in Georgia where wines were crafted in terracotta amphorae, the kvevri. This prolonged skin contact is the source of its unique colour and distinctive organoleptic properties. Today, this winemaking method is enjoying a revival among winegrowers keen on producing more natural, expressive wines. It is also a compelling expression of living wine, made with minimal intervention. It differs from traditional white wines, red wines and even rosé wines through a unique process that promotes the extraction of pigments and tannins, making orange wine a truly unusual wine in Bordeaux.

Typicity and taste: the imprint of maceration

The sensory profile of orange wine is rich and complex, setting it distinctly apart. Its colour, ranging from deep gold to amber or coppery orange, is the first hallmark of its originality. On the nose, it delivers a unique aromatic palette, combining notes of dried fruit (apricot, quince), candied orange peel, honey, black tea, sweet spices, and occasionally a subtle oxidative hint. On the palate, its texture is surprising. Skin contact imparts a tannic structure and a delicate astringency, quite different from the smoothness of a classic white. This structural complexity makes it exceptionally versatile at the table, capable of pairing with a wide variety of dishes, from spiced world cuisines to mature cheeses. This style of wine aligns perfectly with an approach to winemaking that respects both fruit and the environment, such as that of Château Cazebonne, an organic Bordeaux estate.

Skin-contact wines from Château Cazebonne

At Château Cazebonne, our orange wine cuvée bears the evocative name "La Macération". It embodies our commitment to exploring new expressions of the white grape varieties from our Graves terroir. This cuvée is the result of a constant quest for balance between tradition and innovation, offering a unique experience for wine lovers. The rigorous selection of vintages and the adaptation of white winemaking techniques are paramount. Our Graves terroir, with its gravelly soils, is ideal for our white grape varieties—primarily Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon—which lend our orange wine its Bordeaux typicity. The vinification follows a precise protocol: after manual harvesting, the must macerates with the skins for one to several weeks at controlled temperatures in order to extract tannins and aromas. Ageing then continues in vats, aimed at preserving freshness while developing complexity.

Our "La Macération" cuvée is the result of a steadfast desire to innovate and preserve viticultural heritage. Château Cazebonne is committed to replanting forgotten Bordeaux grape varieties, a long-term undertaking that we share with passion. You can learn more about this approach by downloading our book on the history of Bordeaux grape varieties, test your wine knowledge with our wine quizzes, or discover our full range of wines and support our project by visiting our online shop.