Wine is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world, enjoyed by millions of people every day. However, many people are starting to turn away from commercially-produced wines and are looking for alternatives. Natural wine is a great option for those who want to enjoy a more authentic, less processed wine. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of natural wine, including what it is, how it’s made, and how to enjoy it.
Natural wine is a type of wine that is made without the use of additives or chemicals. Instead, the winemaker relies on traditional fermentation methods, allowing the wine to develop its unique flavors and characteristics. In this guide, we’ll explore the process of making natural wine, from selecting the grapes to bottling the finished product.
What is Natural Wine?
Natural wine is a type of wine that is made using minimal intervention in the winemaking process. This means that the grapes are grown without the use of chemicals, and the wine is produced without the use of additives or preservatives. Natural wines are often unfiltered and unfined, which means that they may be cloudy or have sediment in the bottle.
The Philosophy Behind Natural Wine
The philosophy behind natural wine is to produce a product that is as close to nature as possible. The idea is that by using minimal intervention in the winemaking process, the wine will better reflect the terroir, or the unique characteristics of the region where the grapes were grown. This also means that natural wine can vary greatly from one bottle to the next, depending on the vintage, the grapes, and the winemaker’s techniques.
The Difference Between Natural Wine and Organic Wine
While natural wine is often made using organic grapes, the two are not the same thing. Organic wine is made using grapes that have been grown without the use of synthetic chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides. However, organic wine can still be processed using additives such as sulfur dioxide, which is not allowed in natural wine production.
How is Natural Wine Made?
Natural wine is made in a similar way to traditional wine, but with a few key differences. Here are the basic steps involved in making natural wine:
- Grapes are harvested by hand to avoid damaging the fruit.
- The grapes are crushed and allowed to ferment naturally using the yeast that is present on the skins of the grapes.
- The wine is aged in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks.
- The wine is bottled without filtration or fining.
Natural wine is made with minimal intervention in the winemaking process, using organic grapes without the use of additives or preservatives, to better reflect the terroir of the region and provide a more authentic, less processed wine. It’s important to store natural wine properly, serve it at the right temperature, pair it with the right foods, and experiment with different varietals to find the ones you like best.
Natural Wine Additives
As mentioned earlier, natural wine is produced without the use of additives or preservatives. This means that the winemaker must rely on natural methods to prevent spoilage and oxidation. Some common techniques used in natural wine production include:
- Carbonic maceration: This is a winemaking technique where whole grapes are fermented in a sealed tank with carbon dioxide. This can produce a fruity, low-tannin wine.
- Skin contact: Leaving the grape skins in contact with the juice during fermentation can create a wine with more tannins and a deeper color.
- Sulfur dioxide alternatives: While sulfur dioxide is not allowed in natural wine production, some winemakers use alternatives such as ascorbic acid or citric acid to prevent spoilage.
How to Enjoy Natural Wine
Now that you know what natural wine is and how it’s made, it’s time to learn how to enjoy it. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your natural wine experience:
Store Your Wine Properly
Natural wine is often unfiltered and unfined, which means that it may be more delicate than other types of wine. It’s important to store natural wine in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
Serve at the Right Temperature
Natural wines are often best served slightly chilled, around 55-60°F (13-16°C). This will help to bring out the wine’s flavors and aromas without overpowering them.
Pair with the Right Foods
Natural wine can be paired with a wide range of foods, but it’s important to choose the right pairing to complement the wine’s unique flavors. Some great options include grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and aged cheeses.
Experiment with Different Varietals
Natural wine can vary greatly from one bottle to the next, depending on the grapes and the winemaker’s techniques. Don’t be afraid to try different varietals and vintages to find the ones you like best.
FAQs for How to Make Natural Wine
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is made with minimal intervention and without the use of chemical additives such as sulfites. It is produced from grapes that are grown organically or biodynamically, using only natural yeasts from the grape skins and the winery environment. The goal of making natural wine is to showcase the unique flavors and terroir of the grapes in an unadulterated form, while also promoting sustainability and transparency in the winemaking process.
What equipment is needed to make natural wine?
To make natural wine, you will need basic winemaking equipment such as a fermenting vessel, a hydrometer, and a method to extract juice from the grapes such as a press. It is important to choose equipment that is made of materials that will not interfere with the natural fermentation process, such as stainless steel or glass. You will also need a supply of natural or organic grapes, as well as natural yeasts and bacteria to initiate the fermentation process.
How do you initiate natural fermentation?
To initiate natural fermentation, the grapes must be crushed and the juice allowed to ferment spontaneously using natural yeasts and bacteria that are present on the grape skins and in the winery environment. It is important to ensure that the fermentation vessel is kept clean and free from unwanted bacteria or mold that could interfere with the natural fermentation process. Once the fermentation has begun, the wine should be regularly monitored for any signs of spoilage or off-flavors.
What is the difference between natural wine and conventional wine?
Conventional wine is often made using commercial yeast strains, and may be treated with added sulfites, acids, and other additives to manipulate the flavor and stability of the final product. In contrast, natural wine is made using only natural yeasts and bacteria, and without the use of chemical additives or artificial manipulation. Natural wine is often described as having a more complex and nuanced flavor profile with a greater sense of terroir.
How long does it take to make natural wine?
The time it takes to make natural wine can vary depending on the type of grape and the fermentation conditions. Generally, the fermentation process will take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the temperature and the amount of yeast and bacteria present. Once the fermentation has completed, the wine will need to be aged in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks for several months to several years before it is ready to be bottled and consumed. The aging process allows the wine to develop complex flavors and tannins, and to mature into a well-balanced and harmonious final product.