What Is Natural Wine and Why Is It Better?
Among the plethora of wine varieties available today, natural wine has garnered significant attention, not just for its unique taste but also for its purported health and environmental benefits.
Natural wine is essentially a return to winemaking in its purest form. It is made with minimal intervention, allowing the grapes and the terroir to shine. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Minimal Additives Natural wine contains little to no added sulfites, which are often used in conventional wine as preservatives.
- Native Yeasts Instead of using commercial yeasts to control fermentation, natural winemakers rely on the wild, native yeasts found on the grapes.
- No Chemical Pesticides Grapes for natural wine are typically grown organically or biodynamically, avoiding synthetic pesticides and herbicides.
- Unfiltered Many natural wines skip processes like filtering, which can strip wine of its natural character and may involve animal-derived products like egg whites or fish bladders.
What Additives Are Found in Conventional Wine?
- Sulfur Dioxide (Sulfites). Used to prevent oxidation and spoilage, but can cause adverse reactions in some people.
- Sugar and Concentrates. Added to manipulate sweetness and alcohol levels.
- Acids, Citric, tartaric, or malic acids are added to balance the flavor.
- Color Stabilizers. Mega Purple and other additives enhance color but can mask the wine’s authenticity.
- Clarifying Agents. Includes bentonite clay, egg whites, and fish-derived isinglass, all of which are intended to make the wine clear.
- Artificial Flavors and Aromas. Enhance or mimic natural fruit and floral notes.
If you’re looking for a more authentic, health-conscious, and eco-friendly option, natural wine might be the perfect choice for you. Look for labels that mention organic, biodynamic, or natural processes.
Natural wine allows you to enjoy wine as it was originally intended—simple, pure, and reflective of the land. Perfect for this Holiday Season!
With warm wishes for your well-being,
S.SKY Dimension
