12.4. Natural Winemaking

Question 1

What is natural winemaking?

Answer 1

• rejection of many modern interventions in favour of artisan practices from the past
• no agreed definition
• wine made with the fewest possible manipulations
• fermentation by ambient yeasts
• an absolute minimum of added SO2 (typically only at bottling) or with no added SO2

Question 2

What types of grapes can natural wines be made of?

Answer 2

• any (no regulation)
• conventionally or sustainably grown grapes
• many natural winemakers would argue that organic or biodynamic grapes should be used

Question 3

What is the main certification body for natural wine?

Answer 3

NONE

Question 4

Name 2 natural wine associations that publish their own approach and/or standards.

Answer 4

• ViniVeri (Italy)

- L’Association des Vins Naturels (France)

Question 5

How costly is making natural wine? Why?

Answer 5

There is a negligible impact on price as the saving on investment in equipment is offset by the cost of small batch winemaking.

Question 6

How much do natural wines typically cost? Why?

Answer 6

• mid to premium priced
• small batch
• labor intensive

Question 7

What is the main controvesy of natural wine?

Answer 7

• Natural winemakers claim that their wines are more expressive of terroir
• Other winemakers feel that some level of intervention or addition (e.g. of SO2) is beneficial to ensure their wines show at their best