Natural wine: definition, characteristics and diffusion

What is meant by natural wine

The term “natural wine” is not yet regulated by a single law, but generally refers to wines produced with minimal interventions both in the vineyard and in the cellar . Sustainable viticulture and winemaking without chemical additives are favored, with spontaneous fermentations and sulphites reduced to a minimum.

Production processes

Natural wine production is based on environmentally friendly agricultural practices, such as the use of organic compost and the ban on chemical pesticides. In the cellar, the use of selected yeasts, fining agents and aggressive filtrations is avoided. Natural wines are often unstabilized and have greater organoleptic variability.

Advantages and critical issues

The advantages include a lower environmental impact, expressive authenticity and the rediscovery of native vines. However, natural wines can be less stable, with a sensory profile that is not always homogeneous. Furthermore, the lack of official regulation makes it difficult to guarantee objective quality standards.
In recent years, natural wine has gained increasing visibility, thanks to consumer interest in artisanal and sustainable products. In Italy, there are numerous trade fairs (such as Vinnatur or Live Wine), while abroad the phenomenon is particularly widespread in France, Spain and Japan.