Whether it’s free-range chicken or fair-trade coffee, many people are drawn to products that have been minimally processed and made with love. This same approach can be applied to wine.
Natural wines are made with minimal intervention, often using organic viticulture and historical techniques like amphora fermentation. They have a certain magic to them, which makes many people fall in love with them.
They’re Easy To Drink.
While some may think natural wines are a new trend, they’re quite old. Natural wines are usually organic, low-intervention, and made by small independent winemakers. They also tend to have fewer sulfites (a chemical used to preserve and stabilize conventional wines that can cause headaches, hives, and flushing in some people).
Because of this, they can be effervescent, earthy, and wild, which many find enjoyable. They also are less expensive than conventional wines, as they don’t have to be filtered or manipulated.
Another benefit is that natural wine Toronto pairs well with various dishes. While many wine pairing guidelines include classic combinations like steak and a cabernet, these wines can also be paired with spicy foods, often intensified by tannin or oak. Choosing the right wine for a particular meal can overwhelm many drinkers.
They’re Made With Minimal Intervention.
In a nutshell, natural wine is fermented grape juice without anything added. It isn’t an official label, and there is a wide range of opinions on what constitutes the category. For example, some wine experts use terms like “low-intervention” or “raw,” while others call it natural. There is no one-size-fits-all definition, but most natural wines start with organic or biodynamic grapes that aren’t sprayed with pesticides or herbicides and are hand-picked. They are then made without additives such as commercial yeasts and fining agents. The low-intervention process allows for creativity and uniqueness. For instance, some natural wines are cloudy and fizzy. Natural wines also tend to have lower alcohol levels, making them easier to drink. They also don’t have the high histamine levels of conventional wines that can cause hangovers. This makes them a good choice for people open to trying new things.
They Don’t Contain Added Sulfites.
A lot is mysterious or confusing about wine, but few things have the same polarizing effect as sulfites. While they’re necessary for wine-making and help protect the health of your bottle, they’re also often associated with various side effects, including headaches and hangover symptoms.
Natural wines don’t contain added sulfites, meaning people sensitive to these additives can enjoy them. While all wines contain some sulfites naturally from the grapes, many natural wines have very low concentrations.
The term “natural wine” isn’t regulated so you won’t find it on any labels, but if you want to try a natural bottle, look for one with a label that says “no sulfites added” or “low sulfites.” Alternatively, check out your local wine shops and ask for recommendations from knowledgeable staff. These specialists will be more likely to know about smaller producers who care about avoiding chemical treatments in their wine.
They’re A Great Way To Try New Things.
In addition to their enthusiasm and earthy, wild, enjoyably unpredictable flavors, natural wines don’t contain added sulfites, which can cause headaches, hives, flushing, and other symptoms. This makes them a great option for those who are sensitive to sulfites. The trend is also fueled by the desire for authenticity in wine and food, which fits with the ethos of many modern consumers. Smaller producers often make natural wines with obscure grapes and a rustic, traditional wine-making approach. They also tend to be lower in alcohol, which makes them easier to drink than conventional wines.
