What is Natural Wine?
Natural wine is produced with minimal intervention, both in the vineyard and the cellar. This means that the winemaker avoids using synthetic chemicals, additives, or industrial techniques that are common in conventional winemaking. The goal is to create wine that reflects the purity of the grapes, the character of the vineyard, and the natural fermentation process.While there is no strict legal definition for preservative free wine, it typically adheres to the following principles:
- Organic or Biodynamic Farming: Grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers. Many natural winemakers follow organic or biodynamic farming practices, promoting soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability.
- Native Yeasts: Instead of using commercially produced yeasts to control fermentation, natural winemakers rely on the native yeasts that naturally occur on the grape skins and in the vineyard. This allows the wine to develop more complex and unique flavours.
- No or Low Additives: Natural wine is often made without added sulphites or with very low levels of sulphur dioxide. Sulphites are commonly used in conventional winemaking as a preservative, but natural winemakers aim to minimise their use to preserve the wine’s purity.
- Minimal Manipulation: In the cellar, natural winemakers avoid processes like filtration, fining, or reverse osmosis, which are used in conventional winemaking to standardise the wine. Instead, they let the wine evolve naturally, allowing for variability from year to year and even bottle to bottle.
Why is Natural Wine So Special?
There are several reasons why natural wine has captured the hearts (and palates) of so many wine lovers.Authenticity and Terroir
One of the key appeals of natural wine is its authenticity. Because natural wines are made without additives or heavy manipulation, they offer a more direct expression of the grapes and the land they come from. This concept is known as "terroir," which refers to the environmental factors—such as soil, climate, and topography—that influence the character of the wine.In conventional winemaking, additives and industrial processes can mask these unique characteristics, leading to wines that taste uniform or overly polished. Natural wines, on the other hand, are often more rustic and raw, with vibrant, unpredictable flavours that change from one vintage to the next. This connection to place and season makes drinking natural wine an immersive experience—each bottle tells a story of its origin.
Health and Purity
For many consumers, natural wine represents a healthier alternative to conventional wine. Since natural wines are made with organic or biodynamic grapes and contain little to no added chemicals, they are seen as a cleaner, more natural choice. Some people find that they experience fewer headaches or allergic reactions when drinking natural wine, which they attribute to the lack of sulphites or synthetic additives.That said, it’s important to note that natural wines are not necessarily "healthier" in the strict nutritional sense, but they do align with the growing consumer demand for transparency and clean ingredients in the food and beverage industry.
Environmental Sustainability
Natural wine is often closely associated with environmental sustainability. Many natural winemakers practice organic or biodynamic farming, which promotes healthy ecosystems, reduces the use of harmful chemicals, and minimises the vineyard’s carbon footprint. By avoiding synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, these farmers help protect soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce water pollution.In addition, the minimal-intervention philosophy extends to the cellar, where natural winemakers often use sustainable packaging, avoid excessive energy use, and reduce waste. By supporting natural wine, consumers can feel good about choosing a product that aligns with their environmental values.
A New Drinking Experience
Natural wines often taste very different from conventional wines, and that’s part of their charm. The flavours can be funky, earthy, or slightly unpredictable, with a liveliness and energy that’s hard to find in mass-produced wines. Some natural wines may be cloudy due to the lack of filtration, and others may have a bit of fizz from residual fermentation gases.These quirks can be polarising—some people fall in love with the raw, untamed quality of natural wine, while others find it too unpredictable. But for those who appreciate the adventure, natural wine offers a unique drinking experience that challenges the conventional expectations of what wine should taste like.
The Growing Popularity of Natural Wine
Organic wine has grown from a niche movement into a full-fledged global phenomenon. Wine bars dedicated to natural wines have popped up in major cities around the world. Restaurants are increasingly featuring natural wines on their menus, and wine retailers are expanding their natural wine selections to meet consumer demand.This rise in popularity can be attributed to these three factors.
- The broader movement towards organic, sustainable, and artisan food and drink has fuelled interest in natural wine. As consumers become more conscious of what they’re putting into their bodies, they’re seeking out wines that are made with integrity and care.
- Social media has played a significant role in spreading the word about natural wine. Instagram has become a platform for showcasing natural wine producers, sharing tasting notes, and building a community of enthusiasts. The visual appeal of natural wine labels also helps attract a younger, trend-conscious audience.
- The rise of natural wine is part of a broader shift in wine culture. As consumers move away from the traditional notions of fine wine, they are embracing more approachable, playful, and authentic wine experiences. Natural wine, with its emphasis on storytelling, craftsmanship, and connection to the land, fits perfectly into this new wine culture.