Natural wine has gained increasing attention in recent years for its unique production process and distinctive flavor profiles. It is a growing trend in the wine industry, attracting those who seek organic and sustainable alternatives to traditional wines. This article will explore the characteristics of natural wine, the best natural wine brands, its taste profile, calorie content, and ideal food pairings.
Natural Wine Brands
1. Domaine de la Tournelle
Based in the Jura region of France, Domaine de la Tournelle is known for its biodynamic and organic practices. The estate produces wines that showcase the distinct characteristics of the region, with a particular emphasis on indigenous grape varieties such as Savagnin and Poulsard. Their wines are beautifully expressive and true to the natural winemaking philosophy.
2. Radikon
Located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy, Radikon is a pioneer in the natural wine movement. Known for their orange wines, Radikon’s wines undergo long skin maceration, which imparts a rich color and complex flavor. The family-owned winery focuses on organic farming and minimal intervention during production.
3. La Stoppa
La Stoppa is an organic winery located in Emilia-Romagna, Italy. This winery is known for its bold and powerful wines made from local grape varieties such as Barbera and Malvasia. Their wines are unfiltered, with no added sulfites, allowing the natural character of the fruit to shine through.
4. Clos Lentiscus
This winery is located in the Penedés region of Spain and is renowned for producing natural sparkling wines. Clos Lentiscus uses the traditional method of fermentation but without the use of any additives, including sulfites. Their wines reflect the essence of the land and are often wild, unpredictable, and full of character.
5. Frank Cornelissen
Frank Cornelissen is a producer from Sicily, specifically from the slopes of Mount Etna. Cornelissen is a well-known figure in the world of natural wine, and his approach to viticulture is heavily rooted in biodynamic farming. His wines are made with great respect for the land, and the volcanic terroir of Mount Etna adds a distinct minerality to his wines.
These producers, along with many others, are helping to define what natural wine is and bring it to a broader audience. Each of them brings their own unique touch to the winemaking process, but all share a commitment to minimal intervention and an emphasis on organic practices.
Natural Wine Taste
1. Unpredictability and Variability
One of the hallmarks of natural wine is its unpredictability. Since wild yeasts are used in fermentation, the process can vary from batch to batch. The result is that no two bottles of natural wine are identical, even if they are made from the same grape variety and vineyard. This variability is part of the charm of natural wine, as it reflects the influence of the environment, weather, and vineyard conditions.
2. Fruity and Fresh
Natural wines often display bright, fresh fruit flavors. Depending on the grape variety, you might taste notes of berries, citrus, or stone fruits. These wines can be lively and vibrant, with an emphasis on the natural ripeness of the fruit. The lack of sulfites means that the fruit flavors are more pronounced and sometimes even a little rustic.
3. Earthy and Herbal
Many natural wines have an earthy or herbal quality due to the influence of the terroir and the minimal intervention during winemaking. You may find aromas of wet earth, herbs, or even floral notes. These wines often feel more connected to the land from which they come, as if you’re tasting the soil and air along with the fruit.
4. Tannic and Structured
Natural wines, particularly red wines, can sometimes have a more tannic structure than conventional wines. Tannins come from the skins and seeds of the grapes and contribute to the mouthfeel and aging potential of the wine. Some natural reds can be quite bold, with a firm tannic backbone that softens over time.
5. Cloudiness and Textural Complexity
Because natural wines are often unfiltered, they can appear cloudy or hazy. This is due to the presence of naturally occurring particles like dead yeast cells and grape solids. This cloudiness is a sign of the wine’s minimal intervention and can add texture to the wine, giving it a fuller mouthfeel.
6. Funky and Wild
Natural wines can sometimes have a “funky” quality to them, with aromas of barnyard, wet wool, or even a slight vinegar-like tang. These flavors come from the wild fermentation process and are often referred to as “brett,” which is short for Brettanomyces, a wild yeast strain. While not everyone enjoys these flavors, they add an element of complexity that is highly valued by many natural wine lovers.
Natural Wine Calories
1. Alcohol Content
Alcohol contributes the most calories to wine. On average, wine contains 7 calories per gram of alcohol. Natural wines typically have alcohol content levels ranging from 11% to 14%, which is similar to conventional wines. However, some natural wines, particularly those made in cooler climates or with minimal intervention, may have slightly lower alcohol content.
2. Sugar Content
Another factor that influences the calorie count of wine is the sugar level. Some natural wines, especially those made with ripe, sweet grapes, may have higher residual sugar, which adds to the calorie count. Conversely, dry natural wines with little or no residual sugar will have fewer calories.
Natural Wine Pairing
1. Natural Red Wine Pairings
Light Reds: Pair with charcuterie, grilled chicken, salmon, or vegetable dishes.
Medium-Bodied Reds: Pair with tomato-based dishes, grilled meats, or barbecue.
Full-Bodied Reds: Pair with roast beef, steak, aged cheeses, or rich stews.
2. Natural White Wine Pairings
Romania is also known for its excellent white wines, many of which are made from indigenous grape varieties that reflect the country’s unique terroir. These wines are typically crisp, fresh, and aromatic.
Light and Crisp Whites: Pair with seafood, goat cheese salads, or vegetable-based dishes.
Medium-Bodied Whites: Pair with roast chicken, creamy pasta dishes, or vegetarian quiche.
Full-Bodied Whites: Pair with spicy dishes, duck, or rich seafood like lobster.
3. Natural Rosé Wine Pairings
Pair with fresh seafood, salads, grilled vegetables, cold cuts, or pizza.
4. Natural Orange Wine Pairings
Pair with grilled meats, aged cheeses, spicy foods, roasted vegetables, or rich stews.
Brazil’s sparkling wines have been gaining international acclaim, and they are a significant part of the country’s wine identity. Notable examples include Casa Perini and Miolo, two of the country’s leading sparkling wine producers.
5. Natural Wine Pairing for Cheese
Soft cheeses with light reds or fresh whites.
Hard cheeses with fuller-bodied reds.
Blue cheeses with sweet, acidic whites or reds.
6. Natural Wine Pairing with Dessert
Late-harvest or sweet whites with fruit-based desserts.
Red wines with sweetness with chocolate desserts.
Orange wines with nut-based desserts.
FAQs
1. How is natural wine different from conventional wine?
Natural wine differs from conventional wine in that it uses organic or biodynamic practices in the vineyard, avoids chemicals and additives during winemaking, and relies on wild fermentation. Conventional wines may include added sulfites, fining agents, or other chemicals to stabilize the wine and control its taste.
2. What are the main characteristics of natural wine?
Natural wine is often known for its vibrant, unpredictable taste, with flavors that can range from fruity and fresh to earthy, funky, or even cloudy. These wines may have a more complex and raw character, sometimes with aromas like barnyard, herbs, or floral notes. Due to minimal filtration, they can appear cloudy or hazy.
3. Is natural wine organic?
Most natural wines are made from organic or biodynamic grapes, but the terms are not always synonymous. While organic wines must be made without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, natural wine specifically refers to the minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winemaking process. Some natural wines may not be certified organic, but they follow similar principles.
4. What does “wild yeast” mean in natural wine?
Wild yeast refers to the naturally occurring yeast on the skins of grapes or in the winery environment that ferments the juice into wine. Unlike cultured yeast used in conventional wine production, wild yeast is unpredictable and can lead to more complex, varied flavors from one batch to another.
5. Does natural wine contain sulfites?
Natural wine may contain some naturally occurring sulfites, but no additional sulfites are added during the winemaking process. Sulfites are a common preservative in conventional wines, but natural wine producers believe that minimal sulfites allow the wine to maintain a more authentic, unaltered flavor profile.
6. How should I store and serve natural wine?
Natural wine should be stored in a cool, dark place, just like conventional wine. However, due to the minimal intervention and lack of preservatives, natural wines are best consumed relatively young (usually within 1–2 years of release). Some natural wines, especially those with higher tannin levels, may improve with age. When serving, natural wines should be poured at the appropriate temperature, with reds served slightly cooler than traditional reds to highlight their freshness and vibrancy.
