2025-01-10
Natural wine has gained significant attention in recent years, presenting itself as an alternative that seeks to restore the essence of traditional winemaking. More than just another category in the wine market, natural wine represents a philosophy that aims to produce wine with minimal human intervention, respecting the natural growth cycles of the vine and avoiding the use of additives.
The production of natural wine typically begins with organic or biodynamic vineyards, where chemical pesticides and fertilizers are not used. During the winemaking process, commercial yeasts, additives, and aggressive filtration are avoided. Additionally, the use of sulfites — a common preservative in conventional winemaking — is kept to a minimum or completely eliminated. This approach allows the wine to more directly express the characteristics of the terroir and the vintage, offering consumers a purer, less standardized experience.
The term "natural wine" lacks a strict legal definition, meaning that many of these wines do not carry official labels certifying them as such. However, some European countries have begun regulating the category, introducing specific seals to identify wines that adhere to these principles. Recently, the European Union has recognized certain certifications that guarantee natural wines follow traditional and environmentally friendly practices.
Advocates of this winemaking approach argue that natural wines have a more vibrant and expressive profile on the palate, providing a distinct sensory experience compared to industrial wines. According to enthusiasts, the essence of natural wine lies in its ability to convey the vineyard's personality and the land's unique qualities, making each bottle a reflection of its origin and the specific conditions of the harvest.
Natural wine production is often associated with small wineries working on limited-scale vineyards. These producers tend to focus on native grape varieties, many of which are ancestral and lesser-known, with the goal of preserving local viticultural heritage. Their production is artisanal, emphasizing a direct connection between the grower, the vineyard, and the final consumer.
The concept of natural wine is also closely tied to sustainability practices. Producers who embrace this philosophy prioritize methods that reduce environmental impact, encourage biodiversity, and promote responsible resource use. In many cases, harvesting is done manually, avoiding intensive machinery to minimize damage to the vines and soil.
One distinctive feature of natural wines is their cloudy appearance, resulting from the absence of filtering. This may surprise those accustomed to more crystal-clear wines. Additionally, some bottles exhibit a slight natural effervescence caused by residual carbon dioxide, which acts as a preservative and dissipates once the wine is exposed to air.
Among the standout categories within the natural wine movement is pétillant naturel or pet nat, a type of sparkling wine made using an ancestral method. Unlike champagne, which requires a secondary fermentation in the bottle, pet nat is bottled before the initial fermentation is complete, trapping natural carbon dioxide and creating bubbles. This less complex, more spontaneous process results in fresh, unpretentious sparkling wines that have grown in popularity in recent years.
Another significant category is orange wine, made from white grapes that ferment with their skins for an extended period. This ancient method, still practiced in certain European regions, gives the wine an orange hue and a more tannic structure, making it more versatile for food pairings.
For those looking to explore natural wine, it is advisable to seek information from specialized stores or consult sommeliers for guidance. In many cases, the name of the importer on the back label can provide a clue as to whether the wine is natural or produced with minimal intervention.
One of the charms of natural wine is its unpredictability. No two vintages are identical, and even within the same harvest, differences can be found between bottles due to the minimal manipulation involved in production. This variability, rather than being seen as a flaw, is appreciated by enthusiasts as part of the authenticity and excitement of enjoying a unique product.
Interest in natural wine is also linked to the broader movement promoting the consumption of local and sustainable products. Consumers who choose these wines often value not only the quality of the final product but also the dedication and effort of the producers at every stage of the process. By opting for natural wines, consumers support small-scale winemakers who prioritize ethics and environmental respect over mass production.
During festive seasons, natural wines present an appealing option for those looking to offer something different at the table or gift a unique experience. The diversity of styles available — from sparkling to red, white, and orange wines — ensures there is something to suit all preferences.
Beyond trends, natural wine invites consumers to rediscover the essence of wine as an agricultural and cultural product that connects people to the land and to the ancestral traditions that are an integral part of human history.
Founded in 2007, Vinetur® is a registered trademark of VGSC S.L. with a long history in the wine industry.
VGSC, S.L. with VAT number B70255591 is a spanish company legally registered in the Commercial Register of the city of Santiago de Compostela, with registration number: Bulletin 181, Reference 356049 in Volume 13, Page 107, Section 6, Sheet 45028, Entry 2.
Email: [email protected]
Headquarters and offices located in Vilagarcia de Arousa, Spain.