1. Historical Context:

• The tradition of making wine with extended skin contact dates back thousands of years, particularly in regions like Georgia, where wine has been made in this style for over 8,000 years.

• Traditional Georgian winemaking involves fermenting and aging wine in large clay vessels called "qvevri," which are buried underground. This method often involves extended skin contact.

2. Production:

• The duration of skin contact can vary from several days to several months, depending on the desired style.

• The extended contact with grape skins imparts tannin, texture, and a deeper color to the wine.

• The fermentation might take place in various vessels, including stainless steel tanks, open-top fermenters, wooden barrels, or clay vessels.

3. Characteristics:

• Color: Ranges from a pale gold to deep amber or even light red.

• Texture: These wines have a tactile mouthfeel, often described as grippy or tannic.

• Flavors: Can be broad-ranging, from fresh and fruity to savory, nutty, and oxidized.

• Tannins: Often higher than in conventional white wines due to skin contact.

4. Pairing:

• Because of their structure and complexity, skin contact wines can be paired with a wide range of foods, including dishes that might typically be paired with red wines.

• Common pairings include grilled vegetables, hearty grains, cured meats, and cheeses.

5. Popular Regions:

• Georgia: The birthplace of orange wines, where the qvevri tradition continues.

• Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy: Winemakers like Josko Gravner and Stanko Radikon have popularized the modern revival of orange wines.

• Slovenia: Adjacent to Friuli, with a similar winemaking tradition.

• Many natural winemakers around the world, from California to Australia, are now experimenting with skin contact wines.

6. Things to Note:

• Skin contact wines are often associated with natural winemaking, though not all are made without additives or interventions.

• These wines can be polarizing. Some love the complexity and texture, while others might find them too unfamiliar or oxidized in taste.

When exploring skin contact wines, it's essential to approach them with an open mind and understand that they offer a different experience from conventional white wines. They reflect both ancient traditions and modern experimentation in the world of wine.