Natural wine: Terroir in a bottle
In the world of wine, there is a growing interest in a special and fascinating category of wines: natural wine. Natural wine is not a 'normal' wine, but a lively and expressive drink that captures the essence of the grapes and the soil in which they grow.
What is Natural Wine?
Natural wine is a term used to describe wines that are produced in a minimally interfering manner. These wines pay homage to the natural growth and terroir of the grapes. Unlike conventional wines, which often use additives and technologies to control the winemaking process, natural wine is made with a philosophy of non-intervention. The goal is to let the grapes and the soil in which they grow play the leading role in creating the wine.
The making process
Natural winemaking begins with organic or biodynamic viticultural practices in the vineyard. Grapes are picked by hand and carefully selected. No cultivated yeasts are added during vinification; instead, the wild yeasts naturally present on the grape skins are allowed to initiate fermentation.
The use of natural techniques, such as maceration and spontaneous fermentation, contribute to the rich flavor profiles and unique characteristics of natural wine. Often the wines are not filtered or clarified, which allows them to retain their cloudy appearance, which can be a sign of their authenticity and liveliness.
The rules regarding natural wine
While there are no strict, set rules that define natural wine production, there are some general principles and beliefs that many natural wine producers share. These include:
- Organic or biodynamic farming: The use of natural and sustainable farming practices.
- No cultivated yeasts: Allowing wild yeasts to ferment spontaneously.
- Minimal additives: Avoiding chemicals and additives, such as sulfur.
- Unfiltered or clarified: Retaining the natural cloudiness of the wine.
- Low Intervention: Minimizing human intervention in the winemaking process.
Versatility in taste
One of the most remarkable features of natural wine is the versatility of flavors. Because the wine reflects the true expression of the grapes and the terroir, natural wines can contain a wide range of aromas and flavors. You can find notes of fresh fruit, flowers, spices, earth and even oxidative notes, depending on the grape variety and origin.
Bram & Jip:
'Natural wine is not just a drink, it is an experience. Its versatility makes it ideal for pairing with a wide range of dishes, from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses. It is an invitation to enjoy the true essence of wine, unfiltered and unadulterated.
So why not try a bottle of natural wine and treat your taste buds to an exciting journey into the essence of nature? Let yourself be surprised and dive into this pure wine experience!'
