Winter is officially over in Argentina and, despite the frosty temperatures that still linger, spring is here, bringing with it the latest wine innovations to explore from South America! On September 21 each year, vinophiles on this side of the world say goodbye to the decadent reds, especially Malbec, that kept us warm for the winter season which began on June 21. Spring’s arrival calls for floral and flavourful white wines, like Torrontés, as well as vivacious and refreshing rosé wines heralding a season filled with vibrance, warmth and colour. Argentine oenologists are constantly exploring new horizons for their wines and the emergence of orange wine is a testament to their prowess as tastemakers. Orange wine, which first appeared domestically around 2011, began as a niche trend, when vintners across the country exhaustively experimented with different varieties and different techniques in order to provide new gastronomic experiences.

Orange wine, also known as amber wine, is made using a unique and ancient winemaking technique that differs from the conventional methods used for red and white wines. It involves fermenting white grape varieties with extended contact with their skins, seeds, and sometimes even stems, which gives the wine its distinctive colour, flavours, and characteristics. While any white grape can be used, Torrontés, Pedro Ximenez, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are some of the popular options in Argentina as the choice of grapes naturally influences the wine’s flavour profile. Unlike traditional white wine production, where the grape skins are separated from the juice immediately, in orange wine production, the grape juice is left in contact with the skins, seeds, and stems for an extended period.

Although it emerged in the domestic market around 2011, thanks to a singular winery which, after experimenting with white wine, released its first label, it would take several more years until other wineries joined the movement, releasing their own versions in 2016. This growth in gastronomic culture has had a tremendous impact on the wineries whose quest for innovation has led to the development of an authentic new speciality. Despite the low production volume since then, however, orange wines have increased in popularity with more than 20 wineries now producing this variety in all major wine regions of Argentina. Such is the outstanding quality of these labels that many scored more than 90 points in the 2023 Descorchados ranking and one gained a silver medal at the 2023 Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA).

Today in Thursday Food, we introduce you to five of 2023’s best orange wines from Argentina:

Entrometido Naranjo Torrontés – Ugni Blanc 2022 is a 90-point wine comprising a field blend of Torrontés grapes and Ugni Blanc grapes grown at Finca Primera vineyards in the Barrancas area of Maipú, Mendoza. On the nose, the wine presents fresh white fruits, where details of dried orange peel and citrus characters such as grapefruit as well as orange stand out. Subtle notes of vanilla and spices are also expressed, typical of its fermentation in barrels. In the mouth, the entry is fresh with a great concentration of fruity and citrus flavours, having good volume with a delicate structure from maceration with skins.

Solito Va Naranjo Pedro Ximénez 2022 is made from 100 per cent Pedro Ximénez grapes harvested from vineyards located 1,100 metres above sea level in San Carlos, Mendoza. The wine, which scored 93 points, was made in a limited batch of only 2,000 bottles from 40-year-old vines located in the La Consulta area. It has a complex and fresh nose, with aromas of peach, orange blossom, citrus fruit and delicate mineral notes. On the palate it is expressive and subtle, with good concentration, marked acidity and a long finish, making it ideal as an aperitif.

Espera Reserva Carpe Diem Orange Riesling, Chardonnay 2022, which also earned a score of 93 points, is made by Funckenhausen Vineyards from 50 per cent Chardonnay and 50 per cent Riesling. This wine exhibits a golden yellow colour and is viscous in appearance with good entry in the mouth. It has good body, good structure, expressing mineral and salty notes as well as being tasty with balanced acidity. On the nose, aromas of peach, dehydrated apricot and stone are perceived.

Otronia Lagunar Naranjo 2021 scored 91 points while earning a silver medal at the 2023 DWWA and received 92 points in the 2023 Descorchados ranking. Made from 100 per cent Torrontés grapes from its vineyards in Patagonia, this wine is amber in colour. It has an expressive and exotic aromatic nose of honey, passion fruit and orange peel, while in the mouth it is rich, with lively acidity and a dry finish.

Susana Balbo Signature Torrontés de Raiz Naranjo 2021 was named the best orange wine of the year in the 2023 Descorchados ranking with a score of 94 points. This 100 per cent Torrontés is golden in colour with bright reflections. It has perfumed aromas that express lychee, lemon peel, citrus notes along with elegant reminiscences of flowers. In the mouth, its balanced acidity combines harmoniously with intense fruit flavours resulting in a wine that has a good body in addition to a round and silky texture.

Orange wine has gained popularity in recent years for its unique and often complex flavour profile, making it a fascinating and distinct category in the world of wine. The flavours and aromas can range from fruity and floral to more complex and oxidative notes, often with a distinct tannic structure due to the extended skin contact. Some orange wines may exhibit a deep amber or even orange hue, while others may have a paler, golden colour.