Orange wine is a cherished fruit wine from southern France's Provence region. Immortalized by Colette, it's dubbed 'Colette's wine' and enjoyed as a sweet aperitif or during Christmas and New Year's festivities.
Difficulty: Easy
Wash and quarter the oranges without peeling. Slice the lemon unpeeled. Place the fruit in a large glass carboy.
Add the vanilla pod, stir, then pour in the red wine. Seal tightly and macerate in the fridge for 1 month.
Line a colander with muslin over a basin. Strain the carboy's contents, rinsing the carboy.
Return the strained liquid to the carboy, add sugar, and stir to dissolve. Pour in the brandy, seal, and let mature for 45 days before tasting.
Total maceration: At least 1.5 months
This orange wine ages beautifully for 2-3 years, developing rich notes reminiscent of cooked wine or sherry.
Source: Regional Cuisines of France. Provence.
