8 Orange Wines We’re Loving Right Now

Born and bred in the Minho Valley, Anselmo Mendes finds close ties with the region’s native grape, Alvarinho. This skin-contact wine brings out a rich, textured side to the variety. It is ripe, dense and full of rich citrus flavors. Drink from 2022. #31 Enthusiast 100 2021. —Roger Voss

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Pinot Gris on skins, so technically this is a skin-contact white, although it looks and tastes like a rosé. Don’t let the cloudy appearance deter you. It’s highly perfumed yet delicate, like a summer breeze that carries scents of cherries and apricots still on the tree, wild strawberries in the fields, and stones along a nearby stream. Feathery light on the palate, the wild red berries are crunchy and fresh thanks to bright acidity. A spicy, cocktail bitters flavor adds a base note. Drink chilled to kick off an evening of merriment. Editor’s Choice —Christina Pickard

This is a one-of-a-kind wine in the state, fermented 14 days on skins and aged in clay amphorae and stainless steel. Aromas of lemon balm, herb, graphite and cream lead to a textured palate backed by bright, lemony acidity, with clay notes throughout. It’s a statement for this producer and valley. #94 Enthusiast Top 100 2021 —Sean P. Sullivan

There’s a richness right off the bat of this pour, expressed in scents of lightly toasted apple skin, nectarine pit, melon rind, orange oil and pressed lemon verbena. A delicate flinty overlay adds lovely depth to the experience. On the palate, riper and rounder tones of just-ripe peach and mango unfold, though they’re briskly countered by a pronounced cut of acidity and vibrancy that results in a mouth-watering flush through to the finish. On the back of the close, pithy lime and bitter melon sensations linger long. —Lauren Buzzeo

This uniquely delicious “amber” wine, which is more of a rosé color in the glass and comes from Gewürztraminer grown in Paso Robles, begins with complex aromas of muddled plum and herbal tea. The fascinating palate is zesty with crisp plum flavors, yet dusted in hints of oregano, mint and sumac. —Matt Kettmann

This vintage of Cullen’s skin-contact Sauvignon, Semillon blend needs to air in glass or decanter to open. When it does, it offers both herbal and honeyed characters alongside lemon peel and nectarine. A pithy bite adds interest to the palate, as does the zingy acidity and citrusy finish. Refreshing but with enough weight to be quite food friendly (goat cheese comes to mind as a potentially tasty pairing). —C.P.

Cloudy and lovely skin-contact white, with a seductive texture and a vibrant palate. Wet stone and fleur de sel notes give it a savory feel, while orchard fruit notes make it appealing. Focused finish. —Aleks Zecevic