Natural Wine 101
In recent years, natural wine has become the buzzword in wine circles, gaining a cult-like following and leaving many people curious (and a bit confused) about what exactly sets it apart from traditional wine. Is it healthier? More eco-friendly? Does it taste different? Let’s delve into what natural wine is, explore its distinguishing qualities, and get to know some of the diverse styles associated with it.
What Is Natural Wine?
At its core, natural wine is a style of winemaking that embraces minimal intervention. Unlike conventional winemaking, which often involves additives, filtration, and other technological processes, natural wine is made using organic or biodynamically farmed grapes and avoids added chemicals, including sulfites, and artificial yeasts.
Natural wine proponents (Unrooted included) see this approach as a way to let the grapes and the terroir — the unique environment in which they're grown — truly shine. By leaving nature in charge, winemakers allow the wine to develop more authentic flavors that reflect the place where it was made.
While there isn’t an official certification for “natural wine” (unlike organic wine, which must meet specific certification standards), most natural wines adhere to a few general principles:
- No chemical pesticides or herbicides in the vineyard (organic or biodynamic farming is the norm).
- Hand-harvesting of grapes.
- No added yeasts; only wild yeasts naturally present on the grapes are used for fermentation.
- Little to no added sulfites (though some winemakers use a minimal amount for stability).
- Minimal filtration or fining, often resulting in wines that appear cloudy or unfiltered.
Why Is Natural Wine So Popular?
Many people are drawn to natural wine because of its supposed health benefits, eco-friendly production methods, and unique taste profile. Natural wines often exhibit a lively, “raw” character and can surprise with flavors and textures that defy expectations. For those who enjoy an adventurous drinking experience, natural wine’s unpredictability is part of its appeal.
However, because natural wine often lacks the stabilizing elements of conventional wines, it can be unpredictable in taste and texture — a single bottle might taste different from one day to the next. This variability is sometimes challenging, but for fans, it adds to natural wine’s authenticity.
The Styles of Natural Wine
Natural wine spans various styles, some of which might already be familiar to wine enthusiasts. However, the methods and approaches involved in natural winemaking often give each style a distinct twist:
1. Orange Wine
- What It Is: Orange wine, sometimes called skin-contact wine, is made from white grapes fermented with their skins. This process gives the wine its distinct amber or orange color, as well as a richer, tannic structure.
- Flavor Profile: Expect flavors of stone fruits, herbs, and honey, along with a slightly astringent, tannic edge similar to red wines. Natural orange wines may also have a funkier, more intense profile.
- Why It’s Popular: Orange wines are popular for their complex, layered taste and often appeal to both red and white wine drinkers.
2. Pet-Nat (Pétillant Naturel)
- What It Is: Pet-Nat, short for Pétillant Naturel, is a naturally sparkling wine made using an ancient winemaking method called méthode ancestrale. It’s bottled before the fermentation process is complete, which creates a gentle, bubbly effect.
- Flavor Profile: Pet-Nats tend to be light, fresh, and slightly fizzy, with flavors of fresh fruits, herbs, and sometimes a hint of yeastiness.
- Why It’s Popular: Often lower in alcohol and naturally effervescent, Pet-Nat has a fun, celebratory vibe and pairs well with a wide range of foods.
3. Cloudy and Unfiltered White Wine
- What It Is: These whites are made without fining or filtration, which often leaves them looking cloudy or hazy. This natural state retains more of the wine's original flavors and characteristics.
- Flavor Profile: Expect flavors of citrus, stone fruit, and minerality, with a texture that can feel richer or more viscous than filtered white wines.
- Why It’s Popular: This style appeals to those who enjoy the raw, unprocessed character of natural wines, where you can taste the vineyard more vividly.
4. Natural Red Wine
- What It Is: Natural reds are made without the addition of synthetic chemicals, often relying solely on wild yeasts and avoiding sulfites. As with other natural wines, these reds tend to be unfiltered and unrefined.
- Flavor Profile: The range varies from light and juicy to bold and earthy. Some natural reds are known for their “funky” or barnyard flavors due to the presence of wild yeasts.
- Why It’s Popular: Natural reds are known for their bold, pure flavors and unique textures. Some lean lighter than conventional reds, making them perfect for sipping on their own or pairing with lighter dishes.
5. Natural Rosé
- What It Is: Natural rosés are produced similarly to other rosé wines but with minimal intervention. They may be a bit cloudier than conventional rosés and have a bit of sediment due to the lack of filtration.
- Flavor Profile: Natural rosés are often bright and zesty with notes of red berries, herbs, and earthiness, alongside a refreshing acidity.
- Why It’s Popular: The easy-drinking appeal of rosé, combined with the raw, unfiltered character of natural winemaking, creates a compelling option for those looking for something a little different.
What to Expect When Tasting Natural Wine
Natural wines often have more “edge” than conventional wines, and they can vary widely in taste even between bottles of the same type. Due to the lack of additives and minimal intervention, natural wines are also more likely to show subtle flavors of the vineyard’s climate and soil.
When drinking natural wine, it’s best to keep an open mind and be prepared for unique flavors and aromas — they may taste a bit different from the more polished, standardized flavors of traditional wines. Some natural wines have what is known as a “funk” or slightly sour edge, which some people love and others might find surprising.
A Few Tips for Enjoying Natural Wine
If you’re curious to try natural wine, here are a few pointers:
- Choose a Trusted Wine Shop: That's us! 😎Some natural wines can be very niche, so if you’re new to the style, it’s helpful to have our staff help guide your selections - check out our wine club for monthly sommelier curated natural wine selections.
- Be Adventurous: Natural wine is an acquired taste, and part of the fun is trying new bottles to discover what you like.
- Serve Slightly Chilled: Many natural wines benefit from being served a bit cooler than conventional wines.
- Enjoy Fresh: Because natural wines are often less stable than conventional wines, try to drink them soon after buying.
The Bottom Line
Natural wine offers an experience that goes beyond flavor — it’s about celebrating the art of pure, traditional winemaking, connecting with the terroir, and tasting wine in its most authentic form. Whether you’re into funky orange wines or refreshing Pet-Nats, exploring the world of natural wine promises a unique and evolving tasting journey. Cheers!