The Future of Orange Wine
Future for Orange Wine?
What a fabulous event with producer Gérard Bertrand, whose handsome face recently graced the cover of Wine Spectator.
The title of this session was “What’s the Future of Orange wine?” It was held at the elegant The Fulton by Jean-Georges at Pier 17 and titled
“The Future of Orange Wine.”
Gérard Bertrand had his origin in the world of sports, yet during the last 35 years developed and expanded his legendary wine empire worldwide.
A passionate defender of biodiversity, he introduced biodynamic practices to his vineyards in 2002. The group now boasts 17 châteaux and estates in the south of France with more than 900 hectares of vines, either already Demeter-certified or on their way to being so.
Bertrand & US Wine Professionals Panel Discussion on Via Voce’s Market Research on Orange Wine
The upbeat panel of professionals opined on all aspects of this wine covered in the Via Voice research.
For example, the report underscored that most consumers first heard about Orange Wine from friends and family, but it was retailers and sommeliers at restaurants that had to pose the call to action.
A retailer at the wine shop in Grand Central said that he placed his Orange wines specifically in a place that would capture the most attention, while sommeliers mentioned they often suggested this wine as an aperitif at restaurants.
Panel moderator Jermaine Stone said that he communicates with wine through hip hop.O
Orange Wine: A Brush with Antiquity
Orange Wine traces back an impressive 8000 years to the terracotta-laden landscapes of modern-day Georgia.
The image of clay amphora vessels, strategically buried, paints a rustic tableau of winemaking’s cradle.
Today, this ancient elixir has been resuscitated, standing testament to both its timelessness and adaptability.
The Art & Science Behind The Hue
Achieving the perfect hue of Orange Wine is a delicate ballet of grape skin contact with its juice, playing out over days, sometimes weeks.
Gérard Bertrand’s method, a balance between honoring ancient techniques and embracing modern sensibilities, produces a wine that is rich, nuanced, and just the right side of tannic.
Embracing the Unexpected
The crux of orange wine’s allure? Its ability to surprise. The French, with their rich wine legacy, might raise a quizzical brow at its name, but stateside, the reception has been nothing short of exhilarating.
Trend or Tradition? Unraveling the Future
Pouring through data, one discerns a pattern; orange wine is not a fleeting sensation. The younger demographic, unshackled by vinous traditions, finds its versatility endearing. And producers like Gérard Bertrand, in supporting its cause, aren’t merely selling wine; they’re curating experiences.
From intimate tastings to elaborate wine dinners, the amber nectar is slowly but surely carving its niche.
Sunsets, Soirées, and Orange Wine
It’s a fascinating phase for the wine industry. Categories, once sacrosanct, are evolving. Orange wine is poised for prominence. And as more connoisseurs and casual sippers alike discover its charms, the future is resplendently bright.
Conclusion:
Wine, in essence, is a narrative—of regions, techniques, and times gone by. In every glass of orange wine, you sip on ancient stories, laced with contemporary undertones. And as it dances on your palate, remember, you aren’t just savoring flavors, you’re becoming a part of its evolving tale.
Here’s raising a toast to history in the making and sunsets yet to be celebrated!
