Entertainment

The Perfect Orange Wines To Drink While Watching The 'OITNB' Season Premiere

by Angelina Zeppieri
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"Orange Is The New Black" returns next Friday: finally.

This means you have one week left to catch up on any episodes you've missed, as well as re-watch all the previous seasons so that the drama is fresh in your mind for the premiere.

Whether you prefer to go solo on a TV binge all weekend or make it a group affair, know that this is the perfect time to elevate your "Netflix and chill game" with the only beverage that should be paired with this new season: orange wine.

Mic drop: What is orange wine, and how do I get it?

First, ditch your standards (pinot grigio, pinot noir, chardonnay, etc.) because this is the new drink trend. It's considered the next rosé. Orange wine is the latest, most Instagram-worthy beverage of choice to indulge in this summer.

This wine has nothing to do with the citrus fruit it shares its name with, and is instead created by harvesting white grapes and fermenting them with skins and seeds included.

Spoiler alert: For those of you who don't know much about wine production, know that white grape skins and seeds are typically left out while making pinot grigio. But if you leave them in, you get wine that is orange in color.

It's actually the opposite concept when it comes to red grapes and your coveted rosé. Red grapes that are fermented with the skin on produce red wine. Without the skins? You guessed it: They produce rosé wine.

An orange wine might smell like a red wine and look like a funky rosé. But the taste is nothing like you've ever experienced.

It's not a red. it's definitely not a white. No, it doesn't taste like oranges. It's light, crisp and perfect for the summer.

As is the case with any wine, each bottle and brand is going to be slightly different. Wine is a subjective beverage, so you'll just have to try a bunch in order to find your perfect match.

New Yorkers actually have the lead when it comes to this new drink trend. The Finger Lakes region of central New York is on the forefront of orange wine. It's been making this stuff for years.

But since this is an entirely new concept for most of us common wine drinkers, I'm going to break it down for you. In this way, you'll know exactly what to pick up in order to impress all your friends and lovers.

  • For dry and aromatic, get the Shaw Vineyard 2013 Gewürztraminer Vin Rustique.
  • If you like savory and tart, try the Atwater Vineyards 2014 Skin Fermented Chardonnay.
  • For hints of orange blossom, go with the Keuka Lake Vineyards Dry Amber Vignoles 2014.
  • If you like that full, fruity start, get the Billsboro Winery Chardonnay.

By providing a strong taste without the heaviness of red wine, orange wines are not only great for summer barbecues and picnics in the park, but they are also perfect to pair with meats and cheeses.

Orange wine is the way to go for any and all "OINTB" parties, and it will surely be a great conversation starter. Grab a cheese board and some crackers, and invite your pals over.

You'll sound like a budding wine connoisseur while you school everyone on the color and taste of the brand you're serving. You have no pressure or obligation to mention that you read it here first.