The natural wine movement has steadily been gaining popularity in recent years, but just what, exactly, do winemakers mean by “natural”? Wine is made from grapes. That’s natural, right? When it comes to wine, though, “natural” is more than simply that, and certainly more than an advertising buzzword. Let’s break it down.
From Grape to Glass
At its most basic, natural wine is all about minimal intervention. That means that from start to finish, producers, as much as possible, do their best to not interfere in the winemaking process. However, don’t take that to mean they are doing less than conventional winemakers. There are no shortcuts in natural wine, and letting nature take its course demands patience and skill.
It begins with biodynamically grown grapes, which are not merely “organic,” but grapes from a vineyard that operates as a self-sustaining ecosystem. These growers take a fully holistic approach to cultivating and maintaining these vineyards, avoiding the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers with synthetic chemicals to utilize the most purely natural methods of establishing and maintaining robust vine and soil health.
Next, the winemakers use native—not commercial!—yeast in the fermentation process. Native yeasts are microorganisms that occur naturally in the vineyard environment, including in the grape skins, the soil, and even the air. They give natural wines their unique flavor and an added level of complexity that is difficult to achieve with commercial yeasts. Natural wines are also additive-free, meaning the winemaker doesn’t use flavorings or coloring agents.
A Moment for Sulfites
A common misperception is that natural wines do not have sulfites, but practically all wines do. Sulfites are a natural by-product of the fermentation process that prevent unwanted bacteria from forming, protecting wine from oxidation and spoilage, as well as helping to maintain the flavor, color, and freshness. So, most wines, natural and otherwise, have them. However, natural winegrowers forgo incorporating additional sulfites into their wines, which makes them a good choice for those with a sulfite sensitivity.
What Do Natural Wines Taste Like?
Natural wines have a lively, vibrant quality that feels more expressive than traditional wines. They’re often described as “funky,” with flavors ranging from earthy or tangy to almost cider-like. Many natural wines have a cloudiness to them, which is sediment that is not filtered or fined out, but gives the wine more flavor and a distinct, textured mouthfeel.
Funk aside, natural wines are typically very fresh and juicy, with abundant notes of ripe fruit and zesty citrus. Their higher acidity and lower alcohol levels give them a light, zippy, and refreshing feel that pairs easily with a wide range of cuisines.
Try It For Yourself
Ready to sample the world of natural wine? Mike’s Wine and Spirits has an ever-growing selection of natural wines from producers around the world. From a classic red to something more adventurous, like an orange wine or a pét-nat, choosing from Mike’s selection is a natural. Check out some recommendations below from Ross, Mike’s own in-house wine expert.
