Orange Wine Food Pairing: 7 Dishes That Make It Shine
Stumped by orange wine? Discover 7 delicious food pairings, from Moroccan tagine to spicy Korean stew, that will make your bottle of orange wine sing.
11 minutes
You’ve seen it on the shelf at your local wine shop. That bottle with a beautiful, glowing amber color that looks like a sunset. It’s called orange wine. You’re curious, so you buy it. You get home, chill it, and get ready to pour a glass. But then you stop. What on earth are you supposed to eat with this?
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Orange wine can feel a little mysterious. It doesn't taste like a typical white wine, and it doesn't taste like a red wine either. It’s something entirely different, and that’s what makes it so exciting.
The good news is that its unique character makes it one of the best wines for food pairing you can find. Forget everything you think you know about wine rules. Orange wine is here to break them. In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to pair this amazing wine with seven delicious dishes that will make it your new favorite.
First, What Exactly is Orange Wine?
Let's get one thing straight: orange wine is not made from oranges. It also isn’t a cocktail made with white wine and orange juice.
Here’s the simple secret: Orange wine is a white wine that’s made like a red wine.
Think about how white wine is usually made. Grapes are pressed, and the juice is quickly separated from the grape skins. This is why white wines are light in color and low in tannins (that dry, grippy feeling you get in your mouth).
With red wine, the grape skins and seeds are left to ferment with the juice. This is where red wine gets its color, its bold flavor, and its tannins.
Orange wine takes white wine grapes and gives them the red wine treatment. The white grape skins and seeds are left to soak with the juice for days, weeks, or even months. This process is called "skin contact." That extended time with the skins gives the wine its beautiful amber or orange color, a more robust flavor, and a bit of that tannic texture you find in reds.
So, what does it taste like? Imagine the crispness of a white wine mixed with the complexity of a red. You’ll often find flavors of dried apricots, bruised apples, nuts, honey, and a savory, almost earthy quality. It’s bold, it’s interesting, and it’s a superstar when it comes to food.
Why Orange Wine is a Food Pairing Dream
The reason so many food lovers are obsessed with orange wine is its incredible versatility. It has the acidity and fruit notes of a white wine, which can cut through fat and complement lighter dishes. But it also has the tannins and body of a red wine, which means it can stand up to richer, spicier, and more flavorful foods without getting lost.
It’s the ultimate bridge wine. It can handle those tricky dishes that neither a typical white nor a typical red can quite manage. Ready to see what we mean? Let’s dive into the pairings.
7 Dishes That Make Orange Wine Shine
We’ve picked seven dishes from around the world to show you just how flexible orange wine can be. From rich, spiced stews to funky, fermented foods, there’s something here for every palate.
1. Moroccan Lamb Tagine
A tagine is a slow-cooked stew from North Africa, named after the cone-shaped clay pot it’s cooked in. A lamb tagine is rich and savory, often made with sweet dried fruits like apricots or prunes, warm spices like cumin and cinnamon, and crunchy nuts like almonds.
Why it works: This dish is a perfect match for the flavors in an orange wine. The dried apricot and nutty notes in the wine echo the exact same ingredients in the tagine. It’s like they were made for each other! The wine’s tannins and body are strong enough to match the richness of the lamb, while its acidity cleanses your palate, making every bite taste just as good as the first.
Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to go for an orange wine that has been on its skins for a longer time. These will have more intense nutty and dried fruit flavors that will really sing with the tagine.
2. Hard, Nutty Cheeses
If you want a simple but mind-blowing pairing, look no further than a good cheese board. But don’t just grab any cheese. Orange wine loves firm, aged, and slightly funky cheeses. Think of things like Pecorino, aged Gouda, Comté, or a sharp Gruyère.
Why it works: The saltiness and high-fat content of these cheeses are a beautiful contrast to the wine. The wine's acidity cuts right through the richness of the cheese, refreshing your mouth. At the same time, the nutty, savory flavors in an aged cheese perfectly complement the nutty, oxidized notes of the wine. It’s a pairing that highlights the best in both the wine and the cheese.
Pro Tip: Add some walnuts and a drizzle of honey to your cheese board. The walnuts will bring out the nutty character of the wine, and the honey will play with its subtle sweet fruit notes. Once you've found a combination you love, log the wine and your tasting notes in the Vinoh app so you can remember it for your next party.
3. Spicy Korean Kimchi Jjigae (Pork & Tofu Stew)
This might sound like a wild card, but trust us. Kimchi Jjigae is a staple in Korean cuisine. It’s a warm, spicy, and deeply savory stew made with aged kimchi, chunks of pork belly, and soft tofu. It has a powerful, funky flavor from the fermented kimchi that can be hard to pair with wine.
Why it works: This is where orange wine truly shows its magic. Many orange wines have a slightly wild, funky, and sour character of their own, which makes them a natural partner for fermented foods like kimchi. The wine’s bold texture and tannins aren't overpowered by the spice and strong flavors of the stew. Instead of fighting with the dish, the wine stands alongside it, creating a complex and satisfying experience.
Pro Tip: Look for an orange wine that is described as "funky" or "savory." These will have the character to stand up to the powerful flavors of the Kimchi Jjigae.
4. Classic Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables
Sometimes, the simplest meals are the most comforting. A perfectly roasted chicken with crispy, golden-brown skin, served with roasted carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, is a timeless classic. It’s a dish that feels like home.
Why it works: A simple roast chicken might seem like it calls for a simple wine, but orange wine elevates it to a new level. The wine’s acidity cuts beautifully through the fat of the crispy chicken skin, keeping your palate fresh. Its savory and herbal notes are a wonderful match for the roasted root vegetables and any herbs you used, like thyme or rosemary. It has enough body to feel special but won’t overwhelm the delicate flavor of the chicken.
Pro Tip: Squeeze a little lemon over the chicken before serving. The extra hit of citrus will brighten up the whole dish and create another lovely link to the wine's acidity.
5. Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Risotto is all about creamy, savory, umami flavor. A mushroom risotto, made with varieties like porcini or cremini, is earthy, rich, and deeply comforting. It’s a dish that requires a wine that can complement its savory depth without being too heavy.
Why it works: The earthy, umami flavor of the mushrooms is a dream pairing for the savory and nutty notes found in many orange wines. It’s a classic case of "what grows together, goes together," as the wine's character feels like it came from the same forest floor as the mushrooms. The wine's texture matches the creaminess of the risotto, and its acidity prevents the rich dish from feeling heavy.
Pro Tip: Finish your risotto with a good sprinkle of real Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. The saltiness of the cheese and the freshness of the herb will make the pairing even more dynamic. Need a recommendation for a specific bottle? Ask Soma, the AI assistant in the Vinoh app, "What's a good orange wine to pair with mushroom risotto?"
6. Spicy Indian Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)
Indian curries are known for their complex blend of spices. Chana Masala, a curry made with chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, and a host of spices like coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish. Pairing wine with this level of spice can be tricky.
Why it works: Orange wine is up for the challenge. Its slight tannic grip and bold fruit flavors can handle the heat and complexity of the curry. A slightly off-dry or very fruity orange wine can even help cool the spice, while its savory notes harmonize with the spices in the dish. Unlike a light white wine that would get lost, or a heavy red that would clash, orange wine finds a perfect middle ground.
Pro Tip: Serve the curry with some warm naan bread and a side of plain yogurt or raita. The bread is great for soaking up the sauce, and the cool yogurt can provide a nice contrast to both the spicy food and the textured wine.
7. A Big Charcuterie Board
We’ve already mentioned hard cheeses, but let's expand that to a full-blown charcuterie board. We’re talking about salty cured meats like prosciutto and salami, briny olives, pickled vegetables, and some crusty bread. It’s a feast of different flavors and textures.
Why it works: This is where orange wine’s versatility really shines. It has the acidity to cut through the fat of the cured meats, just like it does with cheese. Its fruity notes are a great counterpoint to the saltiness of the prosciutto and olives. Its tannins give it enough presence to not be overwhelmed by all the different flavors on the board. It’s a wine that can happily mingle with every single item, tying the whole board together.
Pro Tip: When building your board, try to include a variety of textures and flavors. Something salty (cured meat), something briny (olives), something savory (cheese), and something a little sweet (like fig jam). This will make the pairing experience with your orange wine even more fun and dynamic.
Your Wine Adventure Awaits
Orange wine isn't just a drink; it's an experience. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone and try something new and exciting. Its ability to pair with so many different kinds of food—from rich meats and spicy stews to funky cheeses and vegetables—makes it a must-have for any adventurous eater.
The next time you see that glowing bottle at the shop, don’t hesitate. Grab it, pick one of the dishes on this list, and get ready for an amazing meal.
And as you continue your journey, let the Vinoh app be your guide. Use it to scan bottles, log your tasting notes, and learn about different wine regions. With our AI assistant, Soma, you can get personalized recommendations for your next bottle or the perfect food pairing, turning every pour into an adventure.
Ready to explore the world of wine? Download Vinoh on the App Store today and start your journal!
