What is natural wine? As the popularity of natural wine continues to grow, more and more people are wondering what it is. In short, natural wine is made without any additives or chemicals. This means that the winemaker relies solely on the grapes and their natural yeasts for fermentation. While this may sound like an easy way to make wine, it’s actually much harder than using additives. Because there is no added sugar or sulfites, grape growers and winemakers must be very careful not to let the wine spoil.
There are many types of wine, each with their own unique flavor and style. But what do all of these different types of wine mean? How do you know which one is right for you? In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of wine and explain the difference between organic, biodynamic, and natural wines. So, what is natural wine? Let’s find out!
Natural wine definition:
Contents
- 1 Natural wine definition:
- 2 What is natural wine?
- 3 Are organic and biodynamic wines also natural wines? Or are they different?
- 4 Why should I care about natural wine?
- 5 Is natural wine better for you?
- 6 Does natural wine taste like cider?
- 7 Is natural wine always fizzy?
- 8 Does natural wine cause fewer hangovers?
- 9 Where to buy natural wine?
- 10 How should I store natural wines?
- 11 1. Avoid extremes of temperature.
- 12 2. Don’t store your wine in direct sunlight.
- 13 3. Keep your wine away from strong odors.
- 14 4. Store your wine upright.
- 15 5. Don’t forget to check on your wine occasionally.
- 16 Is natural wine always cloudy?
- 17 Do natural wines contain sulfites?
- 18 How can I find out more about natural wines?
- 19 Conclusion:
Natural wine is wine that is made using grapes that are grown by small-scale, independent producers. The grapes are hand-picked from sustainable, organic, or biodynamic vineyards and the wine is fermented with no added yeast (ie. native yeasts). No additives are included in fermentation (yeast nutrients, etc) and little or no sulfites are added.
Of course, there is no official or regulated definition of natural wine. So, if someone says you’re drinking a natural wine, it technically doesn’t mean anything – ask for specifics!
What is natural wine?
Wine is made without adding or removing anything during the winemaking process. This means that wine is made with grapes that are grown using organic methods, and no chemicals or other additives are used during the production process. Natural wine is often made using traditional methods, such as open fermentation and barrel aging.
Natural wine has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people are interested in drinking wine that is made in a natural way. Many natural wine producers are small, independent wineries who focus on making high-quality wine. Natural wine can be found in many different styles, from light and refreshing whites to full-bodied reds.
If you’re interested in trying natural wine, look for bottles that are labeled “natural wine,” “unfiltered wine,” or “unfined wine.” These wines will have a slightly different taste than wine made using more conventional methods, but they can be just as delicious. Natural wine is a great way to explore the world of wine and taste something new.
Are organic and biodynamic wines also natural wines? Or are they different?
Organic and biodynamic wines are made without the use of synthetic chemicals, which means they are also natural wines. However, the term ‘natural wine’ can also refer to wine made without any additives or interventions in the cellar. So while all organic and biodynamic wines are natural, not all natural wines are organic or biodynamic.
Organic wine is made from grapes that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Biodynamic wine is made from grapes that are grown following the principles of biodynamics, which takes into account the impact of the lunar cycle and other cosmic forces on plant growth.
Natural wine is wine that is made with minimal intervention in the cellar. This means that wine makers may use native yeasts for fermentation, and they may not add or remove anything from the wine during the winemaking process. Natural wine may also be unfiltered and unfined, meaning that it still contains some of the sediment from the grape skins and seeds.
Some people believe that natural wine tastes better because it is more pure and closer to the way wine was made in ancient times. Others believe that natural wine is more likely to spoil because it has not been treated with chemicals that extend its shelf life.
Whether you prefer organic, biodynamic, or natural wine is a matter of personal preference. However, all three types of wine are good for the environment and support sustainable viticulture practices.
Why should I care about natural wine?
If you’re someone who cares about what they eat and the environment, then natural wine should be something you’re thinking about. Natural wine is made using sustainable farming practices that are better for the environment. And because there are no residual products, pesticides, or insecticides used in natural wine production, you’re not exposing your body to any harmful toxins either. So if you’re looking for a wine option that’s good for you and the planet, natural wine is the way to go.
Is natural wine better for you?
There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of natural wine and whether or not it is actually better for you. Some people believe that natural wine is better for you because it does not contain any additives, sulfites, or other chemicals. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. In fact, some research suggests that natural wine may actually contain higher levels of biogenic amines, which have been linked to headaches and other adverse effects. So, the answer to the question “is natural wine better for you?” is still up for debate. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what they believe is best for their own health.
Does natural wine taste like cider?
Natural wine is often described as having funky or sour aromas and flavors that are reminiscent of cider. This is because natural wine has a slower fermentation, which allows it to be exposed to oxygen and develop these cider-like tastes and smells. However, not all natural wines taste like cider – there is a great range of flavors and aromas depending on the winemaker. So if you’re curious about natural wine, don’t be afraid to give it a try!
Is natural wine always fizzy?
No, natural wine is not always fizzy. Carbon dioxide is a natural by-product of fermentation, but conventional winemakers de-gas their wines to remove any fizziness. Natural winemakers, on the other hand, bottle the wine as is. Any fizziness will go away on its own, but you can decant natural wine and give it a good swirl to dissipate the gas.
Does natural wine cause fewer hangovers?
While it’s too early to say for sure, some experts believe that natural wine may cause fewer hangovers than wine made with sulfites. Sulfites are a common preservative in wine, and they can interfere with sleep and disrupt the gastrointestinal system, both of which can contribute to a hangover. If you’re allergic to sulfites, natural wine may be a better option for you. However, most of the research on this topic is anecdotal at best. So if you’re looking to avoid a hangover, your best bet is to stick to moderate drinking and stay hydrated.
Where to buy natural wine?
If you’re looking for natural wine, your best bet is to head to a wine shop or wine bar that specializes in it. You can also find natural wine at some regular supermarkets and liquor stores, although the selection may be more limited. Here are some specific places to check out:
- Wine shops: Look for a wine shop that has a section dedicated to natural wine. Some good examples include Amphora Wines in California, Chambers Street Wines in New York, and Terroir Natural Wine Merchant in Toronto.
- Wine bars: Many wine bars now carry natural wine, so this is a great place to start your search. Some of our favorites include The OC Wine Bar in Los Angeles, The Honest Pint in Chattanooga, and Bar Ferdinand in Philadelphia.
- Supermarkets and liquor stores: While the selection may be more limited, you can sometimes find natural wine at regular supermarkets and liquor stores. In the United States, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market are two good places to look. In Canada, try your local Loblaws or Sobeys store.
How should I store natural wines?
You may have heard that natural wines should be stored differently than other wines. But what does that mean, and why is it important?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when storing natural wines:
1. Avoid extremes of temperature.
Natural wine is best kept at a moderate temperature, between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If your wine is too cold, it will become dormant and lose flavor. If it’s too hot, the wine can spoil or turn to vinegar. If you are having trouble knowing where to store your wine, Avanti wine cooler is the perfect choice.
2. Don’t store your wine in direct sunlight.
Ultraviolet light can damage wine, so it’s best to keep your bottles out of the sun. If you must store them in a sunny spot, wrap the bottles in paper or cloth to protect them from the light.
3. Keep your wine away from strong odors.
Even if you can’t smell it, wine can absorb odors from its surroundings. So it’s best to store your wine in a cool, dark, and odor-free place.
4. Store your wine upright.
This will help prevent the cork from drying out and shrinking, which can allow oxygen to enter the bottle and spoil the wine.
5. Don’t forget to check on your wine occasionally.
Natural wine is alive, so it will change over time. Check on your bottles every few months to see how they’re developing, and be prepared to drink them sooner than you would a conventional wine.
Following these storage tips will help ensure that your natural wine tastes its best.
Is natural wine always cloudy?
No, natural wine is not always cloudy. In fact, it can be quite clear if the winemaker takes the time to let it settle so any cloudy bits fall to the bottom. This is because natural wine is not fined or filtered, two steps that keep conventional wine “nice and sparkling.” However, this also means that natural wine sometimes has a lot of sediment in the bottle.
Do natural wines contain sulfites?
A small percentage of natural wine growers do add sulfites, but at levels way below EU limits. Our Charter of Quality and Vetting Process ensure that only the highest quality natural wines are produced.
For more information on this topic, please read Isabelle Legeron’s book: “Natural Wine: An Introduction to Organic and Biodynamic Wines Made Naturally.”
How can I find out more about natural wines?
If you’re interested in learning more about natural wine, our website is a great starting point. You can read about the history and philosophy behind natural wine, as well as getting tips on how to spot a natural wine (hint: look for labels that say ‘organic’ or ‘biodynamic’).
Of course, no exploration of natural wine would be complete without reading Isabelle Legeron’s seminal book, ‘Natural Wine: An introduction to organic and biodynamic wines made naturally’. This book is available in English, Cantonese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Ukrainian, and provides an invaluable introduction to the world of natural wine.
Conclusion:
So what is natural wine? The answer to that question can be a little difficult to nail down, as the term is often used quite loosely. In general, though, natural wines are made without any additives or chemicals like sulfites. Some people also believe that natural wines should be made with organic grapes and minimal intervention from the winemaker. If you’re interested in trying some natural wines, we’ve put together a guide on where to find them and how to spot them on the shelf. Stay tuned for our next post, which will dive into the world of natural wine in more detail.
As the popularity of natural wine continues to grow, more and more people are wondering what it is. In short, natural wine is made without any additives or chemicals. This means that the winemaker relies solely on the grapes and their natural yeasts for fermentation. While this may sound like an easy way to make wine, it’s actually much harder than using additives. Because there is no added sugar or sulfites, grape growers and winemakers must be very careful not to let the wine spoil.
It can be hard to know which type of wine you might enjoy if you’re new to drinking wine. That’s why we’ve created this blog post – to help educate our customers about all things related to wine. In this post, we’ll explore the different types of organic, biodynamic, and natural wines available on the market today. We’ll explain the difference between these types of wines and help you decide which one might be right for you. So whether you’re a first-time drinker or a seasoned pro, we hope this blog post will help you discover your next favorite bottle of vino.