The Magic of Natural Wines

Several varietals from a recent tasting I hosted--natural wines don't have to be cloudy!
Several varietals from a recent tasting I hosted--natural wines don't have to be cloudy!

Hey there, fellow wine enthusiasts! 🍷 If you're anything like me, you're on a perpetual quest to discover the next hidden gem in the world of wines. Well, let me introduce you to a realm of flavor that's both enchanting and eco-conscious: natural and biodynamic wines.

What is natural wine?

Understanding Natural Wines: Picture this – wines that are as pure and unadulterated as a stroll through a vineyard at sunrise. Natural wines are all about minimal intervention, letting the grapes do their thing. They're made with love, organic practices, and often with little to no added sulfites. The result? A sip that's bursting with the authentic essence of the terroir it comes from.

Natural wines embrace the quirks of nature, resulting in flavors that can range from funky to floral to downright mind-bending. Wild yeast takes the reins, leading to unexpected and delightful flavor profiles. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a wild ride!

Where to learn more about natural wine

When it comes to finding these magical bottles, it's a bit of a wild world--there isn't actually any sort of a regulating body or official designation. There is, however, a rich community of sommeliers, journalists, wine critics, and local wine shops that focus on natural wine. The podcast Wine Face is a favorite of mine, hosted by sommelier Helen Johannsen.

When you're shopping, words like "organic," "biodynamic," and "minimal intervention" on the label. And don't hesitate to chat with your local sommelier – they're like treasure maps guiding you to your next favorite sip. Any shop that is sourcing wine made with minimal intervention will also be carefully selecting the producers they work with, and will be able to tell you what practices have gone into the bottles you're considering.

Ready to Dive In? Whether you're a wine newbie or a seasoned sipper, natural and biodynamic wines are an adventure waiting to happen. Let's explore together and raise a glass to wines that are as unique and vibrant as the earth they come from. Cheers to the magic of the vine!

P.S. Share your natural wine discoveries with me – I'd love to hear about your tasting escapades! πŸŒΏπŸ‡πŸŒŽ