Natural wine is a concept more than a well-defined category with agreed-upon characteristics. It's a type of wine made with minimal intervention and additives, focusing on a more traditional and less processed approach to winemaking, rooted in the idea of allowing grapes to express their unique characteristics and terroir. The practices associated with natural wine include organic or biodynamic farming, hand-harvesting of grapes, and minimal intervention during the winemaking process.
Natural winemakers avoid synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers, opting for organic or biodynamic farming practices to maintain the health of the vineyard. They rely on native yeast for fermentation and avoid the addition of chemicals or additives. Additionally, natural wines may have little to no added sulphites and are often unfiltered resulting in some cloudiness or sediment in the bottle.
Furthermore, natural winemakers follow a non-interventionist philosophy, believing that wine should be a pure reflection of the grapes and the environment in which they were grown. This practice promotes sustainability and environmental consciousness in the vineyard.
It's important to note that there's no strict definition or certification process for natural wines, and the interpretation of what constitutes a natural wine can vary among different producers. Some key principles associated with natural wine include non-interventionist winemaking, minimal technology usage, and the use of native microorganisms for fermentation, resulting in unique and challenging flavour profiles that may not appeal to all wine enthusiasts. However, they have gained a dedicated following among those who appreciate their authenticity and the connection to the land from which they originate.