Summary

This session delves into the range of production techniques used for orange wines, including vessel choices (old barriques, stainless steel, or amphorae), whole cluster inclusion, and varying time on skins. Varietal expression within these wines is particularly compelling. The exploration includes examples from traditional wine regions like Georgia, Italy, Slovenia, France and Spain, alongside new-world producers who are experimenting with varieties like Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer and Viognier.

Magdalena Kaiser has a deep interest in Skin Fermented White wine and has made two vintages herself from Gewurztraminer in Niagara, Ontario. In 2017, Ontario was the second place in the world, after South Africa, that created a formal category within their appellation system for orange wines.

About the Speaker

Magdalena is an International Freelancer who consults on all aspects of the wine business including wine import and export, regional brand building, wine judging and writes about wine, food and travel with a focus on sustainability.

Magdalena Kaiser has been in the wine industry almost her entire life. She began working at Inniskillin Wines as a young teen leading tours and tastings and has fond memories of bottling wine with her winemaker co-founder father Karl Kaiser at the young age of five. With 40+ years of experience in wine, tourism, culinary and communication strategy she brings passion and expertise to the industry she loves.

As Director of PR for Ontario VQA wine for the past 15 years, Magdalena has played a pivotal role in elevating the region’s global presence. Through her leadership in media, tourism, trade and export initiatives, she garnered significant attention for Ontario’s wines, both domestically and internationally shaping its trajectory for growth and success.

A graduate of Economics and International Marketing, Magdalena also has multiple wine education certifications. An advocate for sustainable solutions in wine and tourism, she is professionally certified with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. She has served on numerous boards including the International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration (i4C) and was the Educational Program Chair for 12 years. She was on the Advisory Board of the International Cool Climate Wine Symposium 2022, Niagara and was integral in building the industry collaborations that were necessary in winning to bid to host this international wine conference. Magdalena frequently presents to international audiences on wine, culinary tourism, export business and strategic PR & marketing. Her expertise has contributed to the content development about Ontario VQA wine in hundreds of publications including Decanter Magazine, Drinks Business, Globe & Mail, Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book, WSET Global wine certification course, Toronto Star, Wine Bible, Wall Street Journal, World of Fine Wine Magazine and more.

With every minute of her free time, Magdalena travels and tastes, visiting wine regions around the world and is a judge at the Decanter Wine Awards in London. In 2024, she became the Regional Ambassador for the Old Vines Conference in order to support their efforts in documenting the stories of old vines.

Magdalena is curious about all wine and even makes a tiny bit of wine herself. Her micro-size @TinyBatchWine project, where she makes magnums of Gamay and Skin Fermented Gewürztraminer, was born out of a desire to keep learning while honouring her late father’s craft as a winemaker.

Timestamps

Introduction to the Webinar (00:00)   

The host welcomes attendees and introduces guest speaker Magdalena Kaiser. 

Magdalena's Background (00:00)   

Magdalena shares her experience in the Ontario wine industry and her family's influence.   

Curiosity About Orange Wine (00:02)   

Magdalena discusses her initial curiosity about orange wines starting around 2013. 

Development of Orange Wine Category (00:03)   

She explains the research behind creating a certification category for orange wine in Ontario.  

Tasting with Simon Wolfe (00:04)   

Magdalena recounts hosting Simon Wolfe and tasting orange wines in Toronto in 2019. 

Personal Winemaking Journey (00:05)   

She shares her experience making orange wine, experimenting with skin contact and aging.   

Understanding Orange Wine Diversity (00:06)   

Magdalena emphasises the variety within orange wines, challenging generalizations about preferences. 

Food Pairing Exploration (00:08)   

She discusses her interest in food pairings with orange wine during the COVID pandemic. 

Learning from Italian Regions (00:08)   

Magdalena describes her trip to Italy's Friuli region to deepen her understanding of orange wine.   

Defining Orange Wine (00:09)   

An overview of orange wine characteristics, including production methods and styles.   

Misconceptions About the Name (00:10)   

Magdalena addresses the confusion surrounding the term "orange wine" and its implications. 

Labeling Regulations (00:12)   

She discusses labelling laws in Ontario regarding the term "skin fermented white" versus "orange wine." 

Natural Wine Debate (00:14)   

Magdalena explores the complexities of defining natural wine and its connection to orange wine.   

Sulfur Use in Wine Production (00:16)   

She explains the role of sulfur in winemaking, particularly for orange wines. 

Uniformity in Orange Wine (00:20)   

Magdalena highlights the diverse flavours and textures found in orange wines, encouraging exploration. 

Orange Wine Complexity (00:22)   

Discussion on the texture and aging potential of orange wines due to phenolic compounds.   

South Africa's Regulations (00:23)   

Overview of South Africa's legal framework for skin-fermented wines established in 2015.   

Ontario's Skin Fermented White Wine Rules (00:25)   

Explanation of Ontario's 2017 regulations for producing orange wine and the requirements involved.   

Grape Variety Significance (00:27)   

Insights into how different grape varieties influence the character and quality of orange wines.   

Skins Only or Whole Bunch? (00:29)   

Discussion on the use of skins, stems, and whole bunches in orange wine production. 

Time on Skins (00:31)   

Exploration of how the duration of skin contact affects the wine's complexity and quality. 

Vessel Impact on Wine (00:33)   

Examination of various fermentation vessels and their effects on the outcome of orange wines.  

Food Pairings with Orange Wine (00:36)   

Insights on the gastronomic compatibility of orange wines with various dishes.   

Visits to Iconic Producers (00:40)   

Experiences visiting renowned producers of skin-fermented wines and their unique approaches.   

Emerging Trends in Orange Wine (00:44)   

Discussion on the rise of sparkling orange wines and their growing popularity in the market. 

Introduction to Skin Fermented Pinot Gris (00:45)   

Discussion on the unique characteristics and colors of skin fermented Pinot Gris. 

Bora Producer in Slovenia (00:46)   

Overview of a notable producer in Slovenia and their wine-making techniques.   

Pairing Wines with Delicate Seafood (00:47)   

Exploration of how certain wines complement seafood, enhancing the dining experience. 

Croatian Wine Styles (00:49)   

Insights into the lighter styles of Malvasia wines produced in Croatia.   

Skin Fermented Wine in South Africa (00:51)   

Introduction to Testa Longa and their impact on the skin fermented wine category.   

Global Orange Wine Production (00:51)   

A look at various countries producing orange wine and their historical context.   

Decanting Orange Wines (00:53)   

Advice on decanting orange wines to soften tannins and enhance flavour.   

Grape Varieties and Tannin Structure (00:54)   

Discussion on grape varieties that contribute to tannin structure in orange wines.   

Factors Affecting Colour in Orange Wine (00:56)   

Examination of the main factors that influence the colour of orange wine.   

Ageability of Orange Wines (00:57)   

Insights on the aging potential of orange wines and factors affecting ageability. 

Conclusion and Farewell (01:00)   

Closing remarks and appreciation for the discussion on orange wines.