Natural Wine Explained, According to a Sommelier
In recent years, the world of natural wines has taken the wine industry by storm. You might have encountered the term "natural wine" on a trendy restaurant's wine list or while scrolling through your favorite sommelier's Instagram. But what exactly is natural wine, and how does it differ from other types of wine, like organic or biodynamic wines? If you think that all wine is "natural"— made from fermented grape juice—you're not alone. But the truth is a bit more complex.
What is Natural Wine?
The definition of natural wine can be elusive, but it generally refers to wine made with organic grapes using low-intervention winemaking methods. Natural wine producers emphasize working with nature rather than against it, avoiding the excessive use of pesticides and chemicals commonly seen in conventional winemaking. Alice Feiring, a natural wine expert and author of Natural Wine for the People, in addition to other essential wine reading, sums it up: "Natural wine is made with organic viticulture, and then nothing added or taken away in the process—except perhaps a very minimal amount of sulfites." It's important to note that there is actually no official designation or definition of what categorizes a wine as 'natural– it's more a philosophy than a dogma.
Unlike conventional winemakers who rely on commercial yeast and other additives, natural winemakers use native yeasts, or wild yeasts, that naturally occur on the grape skins to kickstart the fermentation process. The goal is to let the wine speak for itself, expressing the flavor of the grapes, the vineyard, and the terroir with minimal intervention. This philosophy aligns closely with biodynamic farming practices, where farmers follow lunar cycles and biodynamic principles to cultivate healthy vineyards.
What's in the Bottle?
Conventional winemaking often involves additives, including everything from added sugar and water to artificial color, gelatin, various enzymes and acidifiers, synthetic tannins, nitrogen, oak chips, hydrogen peroxide, and more. Feiring says, "Most people are shocked to find out that there are over 72 perfectly legal wine additives—and a normal wine at the supermarket, even those labeled organic, will have a minimum of ten."
In contrast, natural wine producers strive for purity, using little to no added sulfites or animal products. This is especially important for vegan wine drinkers, as conventional winemaking methods may include animal-derived substances like egg whites during production. Natural wines are also free from artificial colorants, flavor enhancers, and the industrial techniques often used in mass production of bulk wines.
Natural wine is crafted in small batches by independent producers who follow organic and biodynamic practices. The wine is often fermented in stainless steel or neutral vessels, avoiding new oak barrels that can overpower the wine's natural character. Additionally, skin contact—which gives orange wine its distinctive hue—plays a role in how the wine develops its texture and depth. This low-intervention, raw winemaking approach results in a bottle of wine alive with flavor and complexity.
How to Find Natural Wine
Natural wine lacks an official definition or certification, unlike organic or biodynamic wines. This means you won't find a standardized label on the bottle of wine at your local grocery store. But don't worry! There are a few essential points to remember when hunting for natural wine.
Because natural wines aren't labeled as such, asking the clerk for a bottle will likely yield mixed results if your local wine shop doesn't specialize in natural wine. "If you go to a store with, let's say, the ubiquitous Champagne houses with orange labels or cupcake brands stacked up, you're in trouble," Feiring warns. She urges shoppers to go ahead and ask for a natural wine— but not to be surprised if you're simply directed to the organic section (while natural wines are organic, organic itself doesn't necessarily mean natural because it refers to the farming of the grapes and not how the grapes are treated in the winery). Don't be afraid to explain that you're looking for wine made from organic grapes with nothing added during the natural winemaking process. When in doubt? "Head directly to the French section of the store, that's where you'll have the most luck," Feiring says.
Natural wine bars and shops specializing in low-intervention wines are great places to start your journey. Look for wines made with little intervention, often called "natty" or "raw" wines, which refer to their minimalistic production.
The best way to ensure you're getting a true natural wine is to seek out wine lists featuring small, independent producers who are transparent about their production process. These producers often embrace practices like spontaneous fermentation with natural yeasts and avoid using added sulfites.
What to Expect When You Taste Natural Wine
Tasting natural wine is a sensory adventure! The flavor profile of natural wine can vary dramatically from conventional wines. Without commercial yeast or synthetic additives, these wines are often unpredictable, showcasing flavors that reflect the grape's growing conditions and the vineyard's unique environment. Feiring says, "Natural wines are famous for potentially having more unusual flavor profiles than conventionally made wines, so it's best to go in with an open mind. Expect the unexpected. These are free wines, so expect to fly."
Natural wines, including orange wines, can have a funky, earthy, or even slightly cloudy appearance—don't let that scare you! The grape skins and native yeasts contribute to these characteristics, offering wine drinkers a raw, authentic experience. As natural fermentation occurs, the wine may develop complex aromas, ranging from citrus and herbs in white wines to savory, earthy tones in red wines. It's a style of wine that pushes the boundaries of what we typically expect from wine, offering an experience that's far from the cookie-cutter wines produced on an industrial scale. The natural product in your glass will change with each sip, offering new layers of complexity.
Some natural wines also have a more classic flavor profile– and that's part of the fun of tasting and discovering!
Pete Stolpman, one the American pioneers of natural wine
Storing and Enjoying Natural Wine
Because natural wines contain fewer preservatives like sulfur dioxide, they are more sensitive to environmental factors. For the best experience, store your wine in ideal conditions—a cool, dark place away from sunlight and temperature fluctuations. While some natural wines can age beautifully, others are best enjoyed young. A knowledgeable wine shop can help guide you on the wine's aging potential.
Why Go Natural?
Many wine drinkers are drawn to natural wines not only for their unique flavors but also for their perceived health benefits and sustainability. By avoiding the use of additives, synthetic chemicals, and excessive use of pesticides, natural winemakers produce a more transparent wine that is potentially better for both the environment and your body. With its roots in mid-20th century winemaking traditions, the natural wine movement offers a refreshing alternative to the highly manipulated wines dominating supermarket shelves today.
In a world increasingly dominated by mass production and the use of chemicals in agriculture, natural wine is a return to the basics. This alcoholic beverage embraces its origins with pride. Whether you're sipping on a funky orange wine, a crisp white wine, or a bold red wine, natural wine invites you to experience wine in its purest form, free from the constraints of modern winemaking techniques.
So, next time you're browsing for a bottle, why not explore the world of natural wines? There's a whole universe of flavors waiting to be discovered.
Natural Wines to Try
One excellent discovery tool for curious wine drinkers is that when you find a natural wine you enjoy, seek out some other from the same winemaker or winery– and even follow some of your favorite natural winemakers on Instagram to see what they're drinking and what other wineries they're promoting. There is a community mindset, so see who they're sharing and collaborating with, and you will likely uncover other favorites.
Some of my favorite natural/low-intervention wineries and winemakers include:
Envinate from Spain
Marcel Lapierre from France
Gut Oggau from Austria
From the US, check out Stolpman, Martha Stoumen, Las Jaras, and Swick Wines.
