Introduction
The rise of organic and natural wines has gone hand in hand with public push for more sustainable, down to earth products. Tasted blind, you would pick the first wines as having been crafted in a style that values working with nature and not against it; minimal interventionist wines with materiality both different and recognizable to the eye or rather, nose of faith. Appreciation is enriched and informed decision-making is facilitated by an understanding of why these organic and natural wines are on the rise. This movement is more of a micro-movement.
What Are Organic Wines?
Grapes used to make organic wines are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. The process of making wine also restricts the ability to use additives and preservatives, e.g., SO2. The specifics of certification standards are region-specific but the main principles remain the same: maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity in the vineyard.
What Are Natural Wines?
With natural wines, indeed the bar is raised even more these are made with an absolute minimum of intervention in the vineyard and winery. The grapes are often hand harvested, and the fermentation process is done with natural yeasts. With minimal additives, and no filtration, wines that honour their true sense of place are produced. Natural wines are alive they are often wild, weird and have flavors, textures you may or may not compare to conventional wines.
Why Drink Organic, Natural and Bio Dynamic Wines
- Sustainability: A large portion of wine consumers for organic and natural wines are in the quest of saving some greenhouse gas. They are wines which contribute to the improvement of soil health, one third of earth (the area comprised by waters) with water conservation and biodiversity in line with what humanity demands as the agenda gains sustainability.
- The Terroir: For a natural wine, there is the sense of authenticity that makes you feel connected to the land. These wines are true to their region, grape and vintage as intervention is kept to an absolute minimum.
- Health: Because some people are worried about synthetic chemicals and additives, a lot of folks like going organic wines. There is some mixed scientific evidence for this, but the idea that there are simply less chemicals can appeal.
- Varietal Adventure: Natural wines usually come in unusual flavor and aroma profiles that provide a new taste experience. These are a little more variable, expressing the vineyard conditions.
Challenges and Considerations
- It could be variability Between Bottles: There are not many interventions in natural wines so they can be different from bottle to bottle. Some might find excitement in that unpredictability, and others could find it beneficial without seeking the same wishful deplorable consistency.
- Lack of Preservatives: Like organic wine, natural wines are typically made with no added sulfites and can be just as vulnerable if not more so to oxidation during production because the wines are not preserved.
- Availability: Organic and natural wines have become quite popular, but are still not as widely available in specific regions. It is worth also looking for more reliable produces and suppliers of these wines because very often it has such a significant impact on other sides of the wine.
The Role of Winemakers
Many winemakers are equally committed; some even base their entire winemaking regime on how they can best achieve the sustainability and authenticity that is inherent with organics and natural wines. Newcomers are trying ancient methods and forgotten grape varieties, keeping the wine world vibrant and full of surprises. Producers are also collaborating and sharing their experiences with each other to support innovation and productivity.
Consumer Trends and Market Growth
Organic and natural wines tap into the trends of consumers punting subtle sustainability, hedonism & awareness of health and eating organic/artisanal. With the increased awareness, many wineries are now going organic and more organically certified wines are hitting the market. You are likely to see more wine bars, restaurants, and retailers that focus on organic and natural wines and this would be really appreciated by the end consumers.
Conclusion
As the natural wine and minimal intervention movements grow ever stronger, alternative means of producing and consuming what has hitherto been such a major agricultural product are becoming increasingly appealing as we foreground sustainability, truth & authenticity over all else. That being said, however awkward these wines may sometimes feel to discuss, they are that much more important (to an extent) and positive when you get to the point of talking about them and tasting them. Consumers can navigate the world of natural and organic wine by knowing the basics about what makes them unique, which allows them to know exactly what they are consuming, and thus take an active stance on their beliefs. And now, as this tide swells into a growing wave, it brings an aspect of rich history to the beauty and elegance of wine, enveloping enthusiasts in favor of a more mindful way to experience them.
