Spice, Earthy, Bold
Wines and foods in the orange profile share molecular compounds that create spicy, earthy, and smoky characteristics—think black pepper, mushrooms, tobacco, and warm spices.
The Orange profile represents foods and wines that share spice, earthy, and smoky molecular compounds. These are the aromatic molecules found in black pepper, warm spices, mushrooms, truffles, and certain wines that create those distinctive bold, earthy characteristics. Orange profile items contain compounds like rotundone (black pepper), volatile phenols (smoke), and earthy geosmin that create complex, savory experiences.
These wines feature pronounced spice, earthy, and smoky characteristics
Rhône Valley, France / Australia
Characteristics:
Full-bodied, peppery, bold, smoky
Flavor Profile:
Blackberry, black pepper, smoke, olive, dark chocolate, clove
Perfect Pairings:
Grilled steak, lamb chops, barbecue, smoked meats, peppercorn dishes
Rioja, Spain
Characteristics:
Earthy, leathery, medium to full-bodied, complex
Flavor Profile:
Cherry, plum, tobacco, leather, dill, vanilla, earth
Perfect Pairings:
Tapas, chorizo, grilled meats, manchego cheese, paella, earthy dishes
California, USA
Characteristics:
Bold, spicy, fruit-forward, high alcohol
Flavor Profile:
Blackberry jam, black pepper, cinnamon, tobacco, plum, baking spices
Perfect Pairings:
BBQ ribs, burgers, spicy sausage, smoked meats, grilled vegetables
Mendoza, Argentina
Characteristics:
Velvety, earthy, full-bodied, dark fruit
Flavor Profile:
Blackberry, plum, cocoa, leather, violet, tobacco
Perfect Pairings:
Grilled steak, empanadas, spiced lamb, dark chocolate desserts, earthy mushrooms
Southern Rhône, France / Spain
Characteristics:
Earthy, gamey, rustic, full-bodied
Flavor Profile:
Blackberry, earth, game meat, leather, black pepper, herbs
Perfect Pairings:
Braised meats, stews, game, mushrooms, aged cheeses
Piedmont, Italy
Characteristics:
Tannic, acidic, complex, earthy
Flavor Profile:
Cherry, tar, roses, truffle, leather, tobacco, spice
Perfect Pairings:
Truffle dishes, braised meats, aged cheeses, mushroom risotto, game
Orange profile wines and foods share compounds like rotundone—the molecule responsible for black pepper aromas—along with earthy geosmin and smoky volatile phenols. When you pair peppercorn-crusted steak with Syrah, or mushroom risotto with Nebbiolo, these matching molecules create bold, complex harmonies that showcase the power of molecular gastronomy.
Orange profile wines and foods share compounds like rotundone—the molecule responsible for black pepper aromas—along with earthy geosmin and smoky volatile phenols. When you pair peppercorn-crusted steak with Syrah, or mushroom risotto with Nebbiolo, these matching molecules create bold, complex harmonies that showcase the power of molecular gastronomy.
Foods that share the same spicy, earthy, and smoky molecular compounds as orange profile wines
Why it works:
Orange profile wines share spice compounds like rotundone (black pepper) that create perfect molecular matches with warm spices.
Why it works:
The earthy, umami-rich compounds in these ingredients match the tertiary flavors in orange profile wines.
Why it works:
The smoky, charred notes from grilling align with the smoky characteristics in orange profile wines.
Why it works:
The bold tannins and full body of orange wines can handle the richness and fat of these proteins.
Why it works:
The tertiary aging notes in both wine and food create complex, sophisticated pairings.
See the Orange profile in action with these expertly crafted pairings
Paired with:
Syrah
Syrah's signature black pepper notes mirror the peppercorn crust perfectly. The wine's bold tannins cut through the fatty ribeye, while its dark fruit complements the char from grilling.
Pro Tip:
Use freshly cracked black peppercorns for maximum aromatic impact
Paired with:
Tempranillo
Tempranillo's earthy, leathery notes complement the cured chorizo, while its medium body doesn't overpower the nutty manchego. The paprika in chorizo echoes the wine's spice notes.
Pro Tip:
Serve with marcona almonds to enhance the pairing
Paired with:
Zinfandel
Zinfandel's jammy fruit and bold spice profile match the sweet-spicy BBQ sauce. Its high alcohol content can handle the heat, while the wine's tannins cut through the fat.
Pro Tip:
Look for "Old Vine" Zinfandel for more complexity
Paired with:
Malbec
Malbec's velvety tannins pair beautifully with steak, while the wine's earthy notes complement the herbs in chimichurri. The plum and cocoa flavors add complexity.
Pro Tip:
Use Argentinian steak for an authentic regional pairing
Paired with:
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo's earthy, truffle-like notes mirror the dish's flavors. The wine's high acidity cuts through the creamy risotto, while its complexity matches the umami-rich mushrooms.
Pro Tip:
Use a mix of porcini, chanterelle, and shiitake mushrooms
Use Insta-Somm to pair your bold, spicy dishes with the perfect orange profile wines.