Natural wine: what it is and how it differs
Natural wine is an approach built on minimal intervention: organic or biodynamic grapes, spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast, no additions and almost no sulphites. The result tastes livelier and more farmhouse, sometimes with a slight haze or spritz — which is normal for the style.
What it is
“Natural wine” is a philosophy rather than a legal term: as little intervention as possible, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Nothing is taken out of the wine and almost nothing added, relying instead on natural processes. There is no single certification, though groups of growers keep their own charters.
How it is made
Organic or biodynamic grapes, hand harvesting, spontaneous fermentation with wild yeast, no correction of sugar or acidity, no fining or filtration. Sulphites are kept to a minimum or left out altogether. Hence a living, sometimes unstable and unpredictable taste.
What to pair with
- simple honest food
- vegetables
- charcuterie
- light snacks
Rather not guess?
We’ll pick a wine for your taste and occasion — or walk you through a tasting step by step.
FAQ
How is natural wine different from organic?
Organic is about the certified vineyard — no synthetic chemistry. Natural is about minimal intervention in the cellar: wild yeast, no additions, no filtration, almost no sulphites.
Why is natural wine cloudy?
It is usually neither fined nor filtered, so haze and sediment are possible. A slight spritz from residual fermentation also happens — these are features of the style, not faults.