Natural wines are becoming increasingly popular among wine lovers, and the holiday season could be a perfect time to explore these unique wines. Natural wines are made with minimal human intervention, with organically grown grapes and a winemaking process that avoids additives, commercial yeasts, and excessive sulfites. Fans of natural wine believe that it is wine in its purest form, reflecting the grape, terroir, and vintage in a way that commercial wine-making does not. This has turned natural wine into more of a winemaking philosophy rather than just a category of wine.
The definition of natural wine is not fixed, and most are not labeled or authenticated. In the U.S., you might find wines referred to as Zero Zero, indicating zero additives and zero sulfites added. Wine experts like Alice Feiring suggest that regular consumption of natural wines can help develop an instinct for identifying them, with a common characteristic being that the wine feels more alive and open when tasted. While natural wines may require some intervention like added sulfur for preservation, the overall winemaking process is focused on transparency and sustainability.
Natural wine producers take a personal approach to winemaking, often farming on small plots of land and limiting production. They may focus on indigenous grape varieties that are traditional to specific regions, adding to the uniqueness of these wines. Beverage director Maggie Dahill appreciates the honesty and transparency that comes with natural wine production and the winemakers’ commitment to sustainability. The lack of a legal definition for natural wine encourages ongoing conversations about what defines a natural wine, making the experience of drinking natural wines dynamic and engaging.
Natural wines come in a variety of qualities and flavors, with some known for their cloudiness, funkiness, or uniqueness. However, many natural wines are just as exceptional as premium wines made using more conventional methods. The taste of natural wines often has a freshness to it, and some may have a slight fizz due to natural carbon dioxide remaining in the wine. Wines from natural producers can vary from year to year and even bottle to bottle, allowing for a sense of excitement and discovery for fans of natural wines.
In the world of natural wines, you may also come across Pét-Nat, a sparkling wine made using a less complex process compared to Champagne. Orange wines, made by fermenting white grapes with their skins for a longer period, are also considered natural wines. To find natural wines, look for the importer’s name on the back of the bottle or seek out producers specializing in natural wine recommended by experts like Feiring and Dahill. Supporting smaller winemakers who put in the work to create natural wines can add a unique and meaningful touch to holiday wine drinking and gift-giving.
Katie Workman, a food writer for The Associated Press, writes about the appeal of natural wines during the holiday season. She highlights the transparency, sustainability, and unique characteristics of natural wines, making them an attractive choice for wine enthusiasts looking for something different and authentic. If you are a wine lover, exploring natural wines can offer a new perspective and deeper appreciation for winemaking traditions that prioritize simplicity, honesty, and environmental consciousness.
