Chances are you’ve come across it on a wine list, heard your wine-loving friend passionately gushing about a newfound discovery, or perhaps even had the pleasure of sipping a glass or two yourself. Natural wine is making waves in the world of vino, but despite its recent surge in popularity, this winemaking approach has ancient roots that harken back thousands of years.
What makes natural wines unique?
When it comes to crafting natural or ‘low-intervention’ wines, all those traditional tools are set aside. Typically, these wines are made from organically grown grapes, and the winemaker relies solely on native yeast present in the air to kickstart the ‘natural’ fermentation process. Chemical additives are eschewed, with only minimal amounts of sulphites occasionally used for wine stabilization. Furthermore, natural wines undergo no filtration before bottling, resulting in a characteristic cloudiness and sediment in the bottle, remnants of grape juice particles left in the wine. This unfiltered approach imparts a unique and ever-changing bouquet of aromas and flavours, making each natural wine an individual masterpiece.
In today’s conventional winemaking, a plethora of techniques is employed to influence the production process and flavour profile of wines. From spraying herbicides in the vineyard to aid vine growth to using cultured yeast to extract specific flavours during fermentation and even adding additional acid or sugar to manipulate flavour intensity and alcohol levels, winemakers have an array of tools at their disposal.
As the spring season ushers in the release of many of these ‘artisanal’ wines, our team of Savvy Sommeliers couldn’t resist the opportunity to shine a spotlight on some Ontario-made gems through our Savvy Care Packages. We invite you to embark on a journey of discovery and explore this naturally different and captivating category of wine.
Natural Wines: A Time-Honoured Tradition
Natural wines may be the latest buzz in the wine world, but their roots run deep in history. Winemakers have been crafting wine using minimal intervention for thousands of years. This age-old approach seeks to honour the essence of the grape, the terroir, and the artistry of winemaking without the interference of modern additives and manipulation.
The Organic Connection
One hallmark of natural wines is their use of organically grown grapes. These grapes are cultivated without the aid of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. The emphasis here is on a holistic and sustainable approach to vineyard management that respects the environment and nurtures the health of the grapevines.
Embracing Spontaneity
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of natural winemaking is the reliance on native yeast for fermentation. Unlike conventional winemaking, which often employs cultured yeast strains to control the fermentation process, natural winemakers allow nature to take its course. Wild yeast, present on the grape skins and in the winery environment, kickstarts fermentation, leading to a unique and dynamic expression of flavors and aromas.
Minimalist Winemaking
In the world of natural wines, less is often more. Winemakers abstain from using chemical additives and adjustments, resulting in wines that are free from artificial enhancements. The purity of the grapes and the natural fermentation process become the guiding principles, allowing each wine to speak for itself.
Bottle Unfiltered
Natural wines are known for their unfiltered nature. Traditional winemaking often involves fining and filtering to achieve a clear and stable product. In contrast, natural wines embrace the presence of sediment and cloudiness, as these elements are seen as a testament to the authenticity of the wine. It’s a visual cue that you’re savouring something untouched and genuine.
A Unique Journey with Each Sip of Natural Wines
Perhaps the most alluring aspect of natural wines is their ever-changing character. With each vintage, these wines offer a new narrative, reflecting the nuances of the growing season, terroir, and the winemaker’s philosophy. No two bottles are the same, making each encounter with a natural wine a truly unique experience.
Love natural wines and supporting local businesses?
Check out our selection of Canadian wines in our online store. We also have monthly wine subscriptions so you never miss out on the delicious wines we discover.