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In the fascinating world of wine, natural wines emerge as protagonists of a revolution that challenges traditional winemaking norms. These wines, whichavoid added sulphites, commercial yeasts, filtrations and clarifications, represent the purity and most sincere expression of the terroir.
They are consideredsignature wines, reflecting the minimal intervention philosophy of their creators, both in the vineyard as in the winery. Despite their limited production and premium price, they have captured the hearts of a dedicated audience that values their authenticity and uniqueness.
What are natural wines?
Natural wines are wines without sulfites, without added yeasts, without filtering or clarifying, without additives of any kind, a living product in constant evolution and with an expiration date, they are signature wines, they seek minimal intervention both in the field and in the winery. Its production is lower and its price higher. Detractors of natural wines claim that they are flawed wines, but their followers do not drink anything else.
Characteristics of natural wines
Natural wines have captured the attention of the wine world for their unique approach to winemaking and their commitment to sustainable and ecological practices. . Unlike conventional wines, natural wines are made following principles that promote minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery. Here we explore some of the distinctive characteristics of natural wines:
1. Organic or Biodynamic Cultivation:
Vineyards intended for the production of natural wine are cultivated following organic or biodynamic practices , avoiding the use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers. This promotes a healthier and more sustainable vineyard ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and respecting the environment.
2. Winemaking with Minimum Intervention:
In the winery, the philosophy of natural wines is "to intervene as little as possible". This means limiting or completely eliminating the use of additives and oenological processes common in conventional wine production, such as selected yeast cultures, acidity adjustments, finings and filtrations. The goal is to allow the wine to express itself in the most authentic and natural way possible.
3. Indigenous Yeasts:
Natural wines are usually fermented with indigenous or native yeasts, which They are naturally present in the skin of the grapes and in the environment of the vineyard and winery. This contributes to the unique expression of the terroir and the complexity of the wine, as these yeasts contribute distinctive characteristics and flavors that may be specific to a particular location.
4. No Added Sulfites or Minimum Quantities:
Although Sulfites are commonly used in winemaking to preserve and stabilize wine, natural wines are often produced without added sulfites or with very low amounts.This can result in more lively and expressive wines, although they can also they may be more susceptible to variations and oxidation.
5. Expression of Terroir:
The philosophy of natural wines places great emphasis on the expression of terroir, the idea that wine should reflect its place of origin, including soil, climate and ecological environment. This is achieved through the cultivation and winemaking practices mentioned, which seek to interfere as little as possible with nature.
6. Variety and Uniqueness:
Due to minimal intervention and the use of organic and biodynamic practices, natural wines often They present great variety and uniqueness. Each bottle can offer a different experience, reflecting the specific characteristics of the harvest, the vineyard and the hand of the winemaker.
7. Commitment to Sustainability:
Beyond practices in the vineyard and winery , natural wine producers often have a broader commitment to sustainability, including using recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials and minimizing the carbon footprint in all aspects of production and distribution.
How is a natural wine made?
The production of a natural wine is a process that seeks to intervene as little as possible in the winemaking, respecting the essence of the grape and the terroir from which comes from. Unlike conventional wines, natural wines minimize or eliminate the use of chemical additives and follow a more artisanal and environmentally friendly approach. The key stages in the production of a natural wine are detailed below:
1. Vine cultivation
The process begins in the vineyard, where organic or biodynamic agriculture is practiced. This means not using pesticides, herbicides or synthetic chemical fertilizers. The goal is to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and promote the health of the soil and plants. Biodiversity in the vineyard is crucial to avoid pests and diseases naturally.
2. Harvest
The harvest of natural wines is usually done manually, carefully selecting the bunches of grapes at their optimal point of maturity. This attention in selection ensures the quality of the fruit that will be transformed into wine.
3. Fermentation
Fermentation is the process by which the sugar in grapes is transformed into alcohol. In the production of natural wines, exclusively indigenous or autochthonous yeasts are used, that is, those that are naturally present in the skin of the grapes and in the environment of the vineyard and winery. This contributes to the unique expression of the terroir in the wine. No commercial yeasts are added, which can result in longer and more unpredictable fermentations, but it characteristically contributes to the organoleptic profile of the wine.
4. Without additives or corrections
In natural winemaking, the use of chemical additives such as sulfur dioxide is avoided (in significant quantities), acids, enzymes, fining agents and intensive filtrations. The idea is that the wine expresses itself authentically. Some producers choose not to filter or clarify the wine, which can result in a cloudier appearance but can also contribute to the complexity of flavors and aromas.
5. Bottling
Wine is often bottled with minimal interventions, seeking to preserve its integrity and unique expression. Some natural wines may contain sediment due to lack of filtration, which is considered part of their distinctive character.
6. Labeling and marketing
Although there is no official global certification for natural wines, there are associations and groups of producers that establish their own standards and seals. It is important for the consumer to seek information about the producer and his practices to ensure the authenticity of the natural wine.
Is a natural wine the same as an organic or biodynamic wine?
The terms "natural wine", "organic wine" and "biodynamic wine" refer to different approaches and philosophies in viticulture and enology, although they share some common principles.
While natural wine prioritizes minimal human and technological intervention throughout the production process, Organic wines focus on the organic cultivation of grapes and biodynamic wines take a more esoteric and holistic approach to viticulture. Although all three types of wine share the common goal of producing wine in a way that respects the environment and promotes sustainability, they differ in their methods and the severity of the practices each involves.
In short, natural wines not only stand out for its artisanal production methods but also for its commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Through organic or biodynamic agriculture, these wines seek to promote a healthy and biodiverse wine ecosystem. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the renunciation of additives and the emphasis on the expression of the terroir are fundamental pillars that define its unique character.
This unique approach to winemaking not only sparks debate among its detractors and defenders, but also raises the question of how it relates to other environmentally friendly winemaking styles, such as organic or biodynamic wines .
Although they share the philosophy of reducing human intervention and promoting sustainability, natural, organic and biodynamic wines differ in their specific practices and principles, offering a rich diversity within the spectrum of environmentally friendly wines.
natural wines in Bodegas de Andalucía
In our online store Andalusian wines, we take you to a world of authenticity and purity in each bottle. We are proud to present you an exquisite collection of natural wines from diverse wineries, each with its own history and unique character.
Our commitment is provide you with an incomparable experience, where quality and sustainability merge in every sip. With each natural wine we offer, we invite you to explore the most genuine corners of the Andalusian terroir and beyond.
Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a novice enthusiast, our natural wines will give you a unique sensory experience you will never forget.
Elevate your senses and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the natural wines of Bodegas de Andalucía!