In the past years a family of wines became very popular among wine enthusiasts, this interesting and appealing wines are a bridge between whites, rose’ and reds and are called Orange wines.
But what they really are and what if I tell you that the original orange wine was ( of course) created in Italy ( actually the Serenissima republic of Venice) around the 7th century AD and it’s the predecessor of one of the most loved and iconic Italian white wines in the world?
We know it mainly for its latest interpretation with its white “suit” because around 1960 became a global hit in this form…the Pinot Grigio!
As shocking as it sounds Pinot Grigio as we know it is as young as the Lava Lamp and in its original version was called Pinot Grigio Ramato ( copper) has a marvelous darkish copper ( hence the name) color and a fuller body than the white counterpart with complex notes of apricot, pear, apple and a hint of tropical and an elegant texture.
The main difference between a Rose’ and an orange wine is that Roses are made by using a red wine grapes and limiting the skin contact to few hours while orange wines are made using white wine grapes but with a prolonged skin contact.
The next time you feel like ordering a Pinot Grigio, give a try to its noble and historic form: the Pinot Grigio Ramato…you’ll thank me later.
Trivia : in the Veneto region, in the less touristic areas, if you’ll order a glass of Pinot Grigio without specifying the type they’ll likely serve you a nice, refreshing and fulfilling of copper nectar.
Guido Lombardi
