Natural Wine Making: A Global Guide

Natural wine making is a rapidly growing movement within the global wine industry, attracting enthusiasts and producers alike. It represents a return to traditional techniques, a commitment to minimal intervention, and a focus on the expression of terroir. This guide explores the philosophies, practices, and regional variations that define this unique approach to wine production.

What is Natural Wine?

Defining "natural wine" precisely can be challenging, as there's no universally agreed-upon legal definition. However, core principles generally include:

• Organic or Biodynamic Farming: Grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Organic certification is common, and many producers embrace biodynamic practices, viewing the vineyard as a holistic ecosystem. Examples include Demeter certification, a globally recognized standard for biodynamic agriculture.
• Wild Fermentation: Fermentation is initiated by indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grapes or in the winery, rather than cultured yeasts. This allows for a more complex and terroir-driven expression.
• Minimal Intervention: The winemaking process involves minimal manipulation. This means avoiding additives such as commercial yeasts, enzymes, fining agents, and excessive sulfites.
• No or Low Sulfites: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a preservative commonly used in wine making. Natural wine producers use little to no added sulfites, or only a minimal amount at bottling.

The goal is to create a wine that is a pure expression of the grapes and the place they were grown, with minimal human interference.

The History of Natural Wine

While "natural wine" is a modern term, the principles behind it are ancient. For millennia, wine was made using simple, natural techniques. Before the advent of modern technology and industrial agriculture, all wine was, in essence, natural wine. The modern natural wine movement can be traced back to the Beaujolais region of France in the 1980s, where a group of winemakers, led by Marcel Lapierre, challenged conventional practices and sought to revive traditional methods. This movement quickly spread to other regions of France and beyond.

Key Philosophies of Natural Wine Making

Natural wine making is driven by a set of core philosophies that guide the entire process, from vineyard to bottle:

• Terroir Expression: The belief that wine should reflect the unique characteristics of the soil, climate, and environment where the grapes are grown. This involves minimal intervention to allow the terroir to shine through.
• Sustainability: A commitment to environmentally friendly farming practices that protect the land and promote biodiversity. This includes reducing the use of chemicals and adopting sustainable water management techniques.
• Authenticity: A desire to create wines that are authentic and unadulterated, reflecting the true character of the grapes and the vintage.
• Transparency: An openness about the winemaking process, with producers often sharing detailed information about their methods and ingredients.

Essential Techniques in Natural Wine Making

Natural wine making involves a range of specific techniques designed to minimize intervention and maximize the expression of the grapes:

Vineyard Management

The foundation of natural wine making is healthy vineyard management. This involves:

• Organic Farming: Avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Instead, producers use natural methods to control pests and diseases, such as cover cropping, beneficial insects, and copper-based sprays (used sparingly).
• Biodynamic Farming: A holistic approach that views the vineyard as a self-regulating ecosystem. Biodynamic practices include using specific preparations made from herbs, minerals, and animal manure to enhance soil fertility and plant health.
• Soil Health: Focusing on building healthy soil through composting, cover cropping, and minimal tillage. Healthy soil provides essential nutrients to the vines and improves water retention.
• Vine Density and Pruning: Carefully managing vine density and pruning techniques to optimize grape quality and yields.

Fermentation

Fermentation is the process by which yeast converts the sugars in grape juice into alcohol. In natural wine making, this process is often carried out using:

• Wild Yeasts: Relying on the indigenous yeasts naturally present on the grapes and in the winery to initiate fermentation. This can result in a more complex and nuanced flavor profile compared to using commercial yeasts. However, it also carries a greater risk of unpredictable fermentation and potential spoilage.
• No Added Nutrients: Avoiding the addition of commercial yeast nutrients, which can alter the natural fermentation process.
• Temperature Control: Carefully monitoring and controlling fermentation temperatures to ensure optimal yeast activity and prevent unwanted flavors.
• Extended Maceration: Allowing the grape skins to remain in contact with the juice for an extended period, extracting more color, tannins, and flavors.

Aging and Bottling

The aging and bottling processes are also crucial in natural wine making:

• Neutral Vessels: Using neutral vessels such as concrete eggs, amphorae, or older oak barrels for aging, to avoid imparting strong flavors to the wine.
• Unfined and Unfiltered: Avoiding fining and filtration, which can remove sediment and clarify the wine but also strip away some of its flavor and complexity. This often results in wines that are cloudy or have sediment.
• Low Sulfites: Adding minimal or no sulfur dioxide (SO2) at bottling. SO2 is a preservative that helps to prevent oxidation and microbial spoilage, but natural wine producers often believe that it masks the true flavors of the wine. Proper vineyard management and careful winemaking techniques are essential to minimize the need for SO2.
• Bottle Variation: Since minimal intervention is used, each bottle of natural wine can be unique and vary slightly, even from the same batch. This is part of the charm of natural wine.

Global Variations in Natural Wine Making

While the core principles of natural wine making remain consistent, there are regional variations in techniques and styles:

France

France is considered the birthplace of the modern natural wine movement. Regions like Beaujolais, the Loire Valley, and the Rhône Valley are home to many pioneering natural wine producers. French natural wines are often characterized by their elegance, complexity, and terroir-driven flavors.

Italy

Italy has a long tradition of natural wine making, particularly in regions like Friuli, Sicily, and Campania. Italian natural wines are often rustic and expressive, showcasing the diverse grape varieties and terroirs of the country. Orange wines, made by macerating white grapes on their skins, are particularly popular in Italy.

Spain

Spain's natural wine scene is growing rapidly, with producers focusing on sustainable farming and minimal intervention in regions like Catalonia, Galicia, and Andalusia. Spanish natural wines often showcase the unique character of indigenous grape varieties and the diverse climates of the country.

Georgia

Georgia is considered the cradle of wine making, with a history dating back 8,000 years. Traditional Georgian wine making involves fermenting and aging wines in qvevri, large clay vessels buried underground. Many Georgian winemakers continue to use these ancient techniques to produce natural wines that are rich in history and flavor.

United States

The natural wine movement is gaining momentum in the United States, particularly in California, Oregon, and New York. American natural wine producers are experimenting with a wide range of grape varieties and techniques, pushing the boundaries of what natural wine can be.

Australia

Australia's natural wine scene is vibrant and innovative, with producers focusing on sustainable farming and minimal intervention in regions like South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. Australian natural wines often showcase the unique terroir of the country and the creativity of its winemakers.

Challenges and Criticisms of Natural Wine

Despite its growing popularity, natural wine faces several challenges and criticisms:

• Instability: The lack of sulfites and other additives can make natural wines more susceptible to spoilage and oxidation. This can result in wines that are inconsistent in quality and have a shorter shelf life.
• Brettanomyces: A naturally occurring yeast that can produce undesirable flavors in wine, such as barnyard or medicinal aromas. Natural wine producers often struggle to control Brettanomyces, which can be more prevalent in wines made with minimal intervention.
• Lack of Standardization: The absence of a legal definition for "natural wine" can lead to confusion and inconsistency in the market. Some producers may use the term loosely, without adhering to the core principles of natural wine making.
• Price: Organic and biodynamic farming practices can be more expensive than conventional methods, which can translate to higher prices for natural wines.

However, many natural wine enthusiasts argue that these challenges are outweighed by the benefits of drinking wines that are more authentic, sustainable, and expressive of their terroir. They are willing to accept a certain level of variability in exchange for a more natural and unadulterated product.

How to Choose and Enjoy Natural Wine

If you're interested in exploring the world of natural wine, here are some tips:

• Do Your Research: Learn about natural wine making and the producers who are committed to these principles. Look for wines that are certified organic or biodynamic, and read reviews from trusted sources.
• Talk to Your Local Wine Merchant: Wine merchants who specialize in natural wines can provide valuable recommendations and insights. They can also help you find wines that suit your taste preferences.
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different styles and regions. Natural wines can be incredibly diverse, so explore and discover what you enjoy.
• Consider Storage: Natural wines are more fragile than conventional wines, so store them in a cool, dark place.
• Be Open-Minded: Natural wines can have unique and sometimes unconventional flavors. Be prepared to experience wines that are different from what you're used to.
• Embrace the Sediment: Don't be alarmed by sediment. It's a natural byproduct of minimal intervention.

The Future of Natural Wine

The natural wine movement is poised for continued growth and evolution. As consumers become more aware of the environmental and health implications of their choices, the demand for natural, sustainable, and authentic products is likely to increase. Natural wine producers are also working to address the challenges and criticisms associated with their methods, improving the quality and consistency of their wines. The future of natural wine is likely to involve greater collaboration and knowledge sharing among producers, more rigorous standards and certifications, and increased consumer education. As the movement matures, it has the potential to transform the wine industry, promoting more sustainable and responsible practices.

Conclusion

Natural wine making represents a compelling alternative to conventional wine production. It is a philosophy that embraces minimal intervention, sustainable farming, and terroir expression. While challenges remain, the movement is gaining momentum around the world, offering wine lovers a unique and authentic drinking experience. By understanding the principles and techniques of natural wine making, you can appreciate the passion and dedication of the producers who are committed to creating wines that are truly natural.