Orange Wine Pairings You Need to Try This Season
Bold, complex, and wonderfully different – orange wine deserves food that complements its unique character. So if you're wondering what to eat with orange wine - whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned orange wine lover, here are the top food pairings that make it shine.
Why Orange Wine Works So Well With Food
The tannins, zippy acidity, and gentle savoury character found in orange wine make it a versatile food pairing choice. These qualities give it the structure to stand up to bold flavours, rich textures, and spice, making it ideal for anything from roasted veg to fermented dishes or umami-heavy sauces.
Orange wine excels where reds or whites sometimes fall short - it pairs brilliantly with tricky ingredients like artichokes, asparagus, fermented foods, and dishes with soy or miso. Its tannins and acidity cut through richness while complementing funkier flavours, making it a go-to for complex plant-based or fusion dishes.
5 Orange Wine Pairings to Try Now
At Reserve Wines, we know a thing or two about pairing wines with delicious food. Our team are all passionate foodies - you might have seen some pictures of our legendary staff lunches). Here we've put together our top five food pairings for orange wine that will elevate your dining experience:
Middle Eastern Mezze– Hummus, falafel, tabbouleh:
The earthy and spicy flavours of Middle Eastern mezze perfectly complement the texture and complexity of orange wine, such as Achillee Pepin Orange Wine's. The acidity and tannins of orange wine cut through the richness of hummus and the spice of falafel, creating a harmonious match.
Mature Cheeses– Aged Manchego, Pecorino, blue cheese
Orange wine pairs exceptionally well with bold cheeses, particularly aged Manchego, Pecorino, or even a pungent blue cheese. The Rallo, Vicoletto Catarratto, a fresh, vibrant orange wine, offers a lovely contrast to the deep, umami taste of mature cheeses.
Fermented Foods – Kimchi or sauerkraut
This one might sound unusual, but the combination of fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut with orange wine is an absolute flavour bomb. Pairing MA Arndorfer, Schlehe Amber with fermented foods brings out the funky, savoury qualities of both, making for an unforgettable meal.
Spiced Roasted Veg – Squash, Carrots, Cauliflower
Roasted vegetables spiced with cumin and paprika are a fantastic pairing with orange wine. Try Dom. des Tourelles Skin, which enhances the spiciness of roasted squash, carrots, and cauliflower, creating a rich and layered pairing.
Rich Fish Dishes – Salmon or Monkfish in Tomato Sauce
Orange wine isn’t just for plant-based dishes—it also pairs wonderfully with rich fish dishes like salmon or monkfish cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Try pairing it with Cortese Nostru Orange, which complements the savoury, rich flavours of fish with a beautiful balance of acidity and tannins.
Want to Try Orange Wine for Yourself?
Our online shop features a carefully curated range of orange wines – from characterful low-intervention natural wines to easy-drinking wines ideal to get you started in this style. We've plenty of options to begin your exploration of orange wine and food pairing and we'd love to hear your best match. Let us know at hello@reservewines.co.uk
If you love discovering new wines, Subscribe to our Wine Club and let us do the pairing work for you – we’ll send curated bottles to match the season and your taste.
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