Wine is a timeless staple in many cultures, enjoyed throughout history for its ability to enhance the culinary experience and to serve as a social lubricant. However, the rise of natural wine in recent years has generated heated discussions about what constitutes “authentic” wine and whether it’s better for you. Here we explore what makes a wine “natural,” its potential health benefits, and how it differentiates itself from traditional and organic wine.
What is Natural Wine?
“Natural wine” is a term that has captivated wine aficionados and casual drinkers alike, although it lacks a formal, universally accepted definition. In essence, natural wine is made with the minimum amount of intervention in both the vineyard and the winery. This means less reliance on chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and additives, as well as minimal manipulation during the fermentation and aging processes.
The underlying philosophy is that wine should be a pure expression of its terroir—the unique environment where the grapes are grown, including soil, climate, and topography. For many proponents, natural wine captures the essence of the grape and its surroundings more faithfully than wines subjected to heavy human intervention. In practice, natural winemakers often use the following methods:
- Organic or Biodynamic Farming: Grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
- Hand Harvesting: Grapes are generally handpicked rather than machine-harvested.
- Native Yeasts: Fermentation is carried out using naturally occurring yeasts present on the grape skins.
- Minimal Additives: Sulphites, if used at all, are added in far lower quantities compared to conventional wines.
- Low to No Filtration: This results in a cloudier appearance but is thought to preserve the wine’s character.
The Origins of Natural Wine
The concept of natural wine might seem like a recent fad. Yet, it can be argued that “natural” methods of winemaking were the norm before the industrialization of agriculture and the advent of modern oenology. The art of making great wine dates back at least 8,000 years, and for most of that history, winemakers relied on simple tools and natural, manual processes to turn grape juice into wine. No chemicals, no additives—just grapes, time, and luck.
The Natural Wine Movement Today
Today, the natural wine movement has spread across the globe—from France, Italy, and Spain to wine shops and hotspots in the USA, Australia, and beyond. Natural wine bars are popping up in major American cities like New York and Los Angeles California, and a younger generation of wine drinkers is embracing the ethos of natural wine, drawn to its sustainable and eco-friendly aspects.
What makes the modern natural wine movement interesting is its diversity and the dialogue it has inspired about what wine can or ought to be.
Is Natural Wine Better for You?
The question of whether natural wine is “better” for you is a matter of some debate. On one hand, natural wine typically contains fewer chemicals and additives, potentially reducing the risk of allergic reactions and headaches for some individuals. The lower sulphite content is often touted as a selling point for those who suffer from sulphite sensitivities.
However, it’s important to note that wine—natural or otherwise—is still an alcoholic beverage. Excessive consumption of alcohol is associated with various health risks, including liver disease and increased risk of heart conditions. Moreover, natural wines can be more variable in quality and longevity due to the lack of preservatives, so they can spoil more easily.
The smell and taste characteristics of natural wines can be incredibly diverse due to the low-intervention methods employed in their production. These wines are generally less polished than their conventional counterparts and may appear cloudy and have sediment. Here’s a breakdown of some typical aromas and flavors one might encounter in natural wines made from specific grape varieties:
Chardonnay
Natural Chardonnay often exhibits a vibrant, fresh fruit character. Aromas of green apple, lemon, and sometimes tropical fruits like pineapple can dominate the nose. Because natural Chardonnays are typically aged in neutral containers and are less likely to undergo malolactic fermentation, they often retain higher acidity and fresher fruit flavors compared to their conventional counterparts, which can be buttery and oaky.
Pinot Noir
Natural Pinot Noirs are known for their red fruit characteristics like strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. Earthy undertones of forest floor, mushroom, or even a ‘barnyard’ note can be more prominent in these low-intervention wines. The absence of fining and filtering can make them appear cloudier and can also accentuate their tannic structure, making them more rustic in texture.
Syrah
Natural Syrahs can be quite intense and expressive, often featuring dark fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, along with peppery, smoky, and sometimes even meaty notes. The absence of additives and manipulations can make these wines appear more authentic, showing a distinct sense of place or ‘terroir.’
Riesling
Natural Rieslings often showcase high acidity and pronounced mineral characteristics. You might find aromas of green apple, pear, and often petrol—a characteristic Riesling note. They may also exhibit floral undertones like honeysuckle and elderflower, while some natural Rieslings venture into the realm of ‘funky’ with earthy and yeasty notes.
Gamay
Popular in natural wine circles, Gamay often shows flavors and aromas of red fruits like cranberries and cherries in its natural form. Some natural Gamays can be quite earthy, with notes of wet soil and even a touch of gaminess. The wines can be juicy and highly drinkable, often with a light, spritzy quality.
Zinfandel
Natural Zinfandels can be a real treat, often filled with flavors of blackberries, cherries, and sometimes even tobacco and dark chocolate. They can also carry a spiciness, which in natural versions can be more nuanced, showing off subtle hints of black pepper or clove.
Orange Wine
Orange wine, often considered the “fourth color” in wine, is a type of white wine that’s made more like a red wine. Instead of removing the grape skins after pressing, as is common with white wines, the skins are left in contact with the juice for an extended period.
In terms of natural wine, orange wine often falls under this category. Many orange wines use low-intervention techniques that minimal intervention in the winemaking process. This can include using native yeasts for fermentation, avoiding additives like sulfites, and often leaving the wine “unfined” and “unfiltered,” leading to a cloudier appearance. Because of these techniques, orange wine often showcases unique, unconventional flavors and aromas, making it a fascinating experience for wine enthusiasts looking for something out of the ordinary.
Pet Nat (Pétillant Naturel)
These natural sparkling wines can be made from various grape types but are generally fruity and yeast-forward, with fresh, zesty flavors and a light, frothy bubble. Pet Nat is a method of making sparkling wine where the wine is bottled before it has fully completed its first fermentation, allowing it to finish fermenting in the bottle. This ancient technique predates the Champagne method and is inherently natural, avoiding the need for added sugars or yeasts.
What About Organic Wine?
Both natural and organic wines focus on eco-friendly practices, but they differ in several important ways. Organic wine is strictly regulated, needing special certifications that usually require detailed testing. Natural wine is less formally defined and is often called “low-intervention wine” because it aims to have as little human meddling in the winemaking process as possible.
One key difference is in the use of sulfites, which are additives that can help preserve wine. Organic wines may contain some sulfites, but usually less than regular wines. Natural wines try to minimize additives, often having even fewer sulfites and sometimes none at all, which can affect their shelf life.
Another distinction is the approach to farming. Biodynamic wines take a holistic, even spiritual, view of agriculture and can be either organic or natural. Natural wines can but don’t have to follow these biodynamic practices.
Lastly, natural wines are often “unfined” and “unfiltered,” meaning they don’t go through certain processes to remove impurities. This makes them cloudier but can also add complexity to their flavors.
While both natural and normal wines offer their own unique experiences, they differ significantly in terms of production methods, additives, and often, taste profiles. Ultimately, the choice between natural and normal wines comes down to personal preference and what you want in a wine experience.
