Natural wines are a type of wine that have grown in prominence and recognition in recent years; as a kind of backlash to the modern, conventional winemaking processes that have become common practice. This movement, which started in rural France has prompted some winemakers to re-evaluate their precise modern processes, in favour of an old-world approach which allows for the uncertainty and true beauty of natural imperfections and flaws.
How is it made?
Like so many other products slapped with the label of “natural”, there is no real regulation of what “natural wine” is. In the wine industry, classifying something as being “natural” can mean a lot of different things, and it mostly relates to how the alcohol is made. Natural wines are wines that are supposedly produced without any artificial influence or intervention; the general idea is that they follow an old-word style of production, in which the winemaker is just letting the land do its thing and letting the grapes become wine on their terms.
In most cases, natural wines are made only by letting the natural yeast (formed from the vineyard) on the grapes do the fermenting, this is instead of having commercial yeast or standard yeast added. It also means the minerals aren’t added to the soil and water, and chemical compounds such as sulphites aren’t added to the process. Natural wines don’t undergo any form of filtration either, which typically results in a more cloudy appearance.
“Natural” is used as more of an umbrella term in the wine industry, and can include wines that are organic and/or biodynamic. Biodynamically grown grapes have been farmed in accordance with moon cycles, predatory habits and light penetration – it’s another layer of natural processes to follow to produce the best grapes possible.
What does it taste like?
Authentic natural wine is made without the addition of standard yeast, water and chemical compounds, the end results are somewhat inconsistent. Natural wines are known to typically taste “funkier” than other wines. Some have likened it to the taste of a barnyard; with the wine often tasting of where the grapes have been grown.
Who should drink it?
Due to the ‘funky’ nature of natural wines, it’s generally not recommended for wine tasting novices. When first starting out with wines, people are often put off by wines that aren’t fruity; but as you delve into more wines and your palate develops you move onto more complex wines, things that are more developed and funky.
How much does it cost?
Before you head out to buy a bottle of natural wine to try, just be aware that it might be slightly more expensive than the non-natural wines that you’re used to purchasing. Anything that is artisanal is going to have a heftier price tag attached, but you pay for the quality of what you’re drinking.