Orange wine is white wine that’s made like a red, whose tannins and structure come from macerating the grape skins in the juice. Its texture and complex aromas of stone fruit, candied citrus, spice, and more make it a perfect companion to chicken, strong cheeses, mushrooms, and creamy sauces. That’s why it’s exquisite alongside heartwarming food when the temperatures start to drop!
Here are five orange wines paired with easy recipes that are just the thing for dinner at the cottage or a little cocktail party at home.
El Zorrito Santa Julia with mac and cheese bites
Everyone loves mac and cheese—it’s a classic! Here, the creamy richness of the cheese is balanced by the moderate acidity of this organic natural orange Chardonnay from Argentina. The hints of spice and citrus add complexity, and the light tannins are positively divine with the velvety sauce in the dish.
Mac and cheese bites
Preparation 15 minutes
Cooking time 20 minutes
Servings 40
Domaine Les Rassembleurs l'Orange and grilled cheese with mushrooms
Grilled cheese is a simple, nostalgic sandwich that’s always supremely satisfying—even more so in this case. The umami of the earthy mushrooms is wonderful with the spicy notes and aromas of apricot, marmalade and peach in this organic Spanish wine. The round body and light tannins echo the bread, while the touch of acidity is just what you need to make this a winning combo.
Grilled cheese with mushrooms
Preparation 15 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Naranjo and fondue with Quebec cheeses
If you’re sharing a deliciously rich fondue like this one, then you need a bright wine to go with it, like this delightfully refreshing option. The acidity cleanses the palate, and the notes of spice and dried fruit elevate the flavour of all that melty cheese. It’s excellent for serving at a fondue party—you’ll find your guests savouring every moment.
Fondue with Quebec cheeses and white wine
Preparation 10 minutes
Cooking time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Parajes del Valle Orange and dumplings
Thanks to their acidity and aromatic complexity, orange wines complement the richness of dumplings and their salty dipping sauces. The spicy and herbaceous notes of this particular organic natural wine are delectable with pork, chicken or even mushroom dumplings. You can prepare this dish ahead of time, and it also freezes well, giving you a quick solution for impromptu dinners!
Pork or chicken dumplings
Preparation 40 minutes
Cooking time 7 minutes
Servingss 4
Pas Sages Orange and chicken pot pie
Nothing satisfies a craving and stirs up fond memories like a homemade pot pie. The brightness of orange wines like this one balances out the richness and creaminess of the dish. The notes of spice and stone fruit in the wine bring out the warm flavours of the pot pie, while its light tannins give it a pleasant texture that complements the crisp, golden crust.
Chicken or turkey pot pie
Preparation 30 minutes
Cooking time 40 minutes
Servings 4 to 5
With a unique flavour profile elevated by the maceration process, orange wine is the ideal accompaniment to rich comfort food. Its acidity and complex aromas go hand in hand with the flavours in these recipes, offering just the right amount of freshness. Invite your favourite people over and try out these pairings this fall!
In partnership with Fréchette, vins d’Exception, Domaine Les Rassembleurs, Maturana Winery, Agence Vinicole and Vins Arterra.
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