Natural wines have gained popularity in recent years, appealing to wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike. These wines are made with minimal intervention, allowing the grapes’ natural flavors to shine through. You might be curious about which natural wines are worth trying.
Natural wines offer unique tastes and experiences that differ from conventional wines. They often have vibrant flavors, interesting aromas, and a distinct character that reflects their terroir. In this article, we’ll explore ten natural wines that live up to the hype and deserve a place in your wine collection.
1) Domaine de la Romanée-Conti’s Bourgogne Aligote
You might be surprised to learn that the legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti produces more than just red wines. Their Bourgogne Aligote is a hidden gem worth seeking out.
This white wine showcases the often overlooked Aligote grape variety. It’s a refreshing change from the more common Chardonnay-based Burgundies.
DRC’s Aligote stands out for its quality and rarity. The domaine applies its meticulous winemaking techniques to this humble grape, resulting in a wine of surprising depth and elegance.
You’ll find crisp acidity and mineral notes in this wine. It often displays flavors of green apple, lemon, and a hint of almond.
While not as prestigious as DRC’s grand cru reds, this Aligote offers a chance to experience the domaine’s craftsmanship at a more accessible price point. It’s perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual Burgundy offerings.
Don’t overlook this wine just because it’s not a red. DRC’s Bourgogne Aligote proves that even ‘lesser’ grapes can shine in the hands of master winemakers.
2) COS Pithos Rosso
COS Pithos Rosso is a unique wine that deserves your attention. This Sicilian gem comes from the renowned COS winery, a pioneer in natural winemaking since 1980.
The wine is made from a blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato grapes. These native varieties thrive in the sunny climate of southeastern Sicily.
What sets Pithos Rosso apart is its distinctive aging process. The wine ferments and ages in clay amphoras buried in the cellar floor. This ancient technique imparts a unique character to the wine.
You’ll find Pithos Rosso to be fresh and vibrant. It offers notes of red berries, earth, and minerals. The texture is smooth with well-integrated tannins.
This wine pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean cuisine. Try it with grilled vegetables, seafood, or light pasta dishes.
COS follows organic and biodynamic practices in their vineyards. This commitment to sustainability shines through in the purity of their wines.
3) Radikon Ribolla Gialla 2017
You’ll find a true gem in the Radikon Ribolla Gialla 2017. This natural white wine comes from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Northern Italy.
The wine boasts a golden color with a slight coppery hue. Its appearance hints at the unique winemaking process used by the Radikon family.
When you smell this wine, you’ll notice intense floral notes, tropical fruit, and assorted spices. The aroma is complex and evolves rapidly in the glass.
On the palate, you’ll experience a fresh and complex taste. The wine is very mineral and slightly tannic. You’ll find the same tropical fruit and spice notes from the nose carried through to the flavor.
The Radikon family makes this wine with great care. They use natural fermentation and macerate the grapes in oak vats for 2-4 months. The wine then matures in large casks for 4 years.
After bottling, the Ribolla Gialla ages for another 2 years. Notably, the winemakers add no sulfur to this wine.
4) Martha Stoumen’s Post Flirtation Red
Martha Stoumen’s Post Flirtation Red is a natural wine that lives up to the hype. This blend showcases the winemaker’s skill in creating easy-drinking, vibrant wines.
The 2022 vintage features a mix of grape varieties, including Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Carignan, and Petite Sirah. This combination results in a balanced and approachable red wine.
You’ll find Post Flirtation Red to be light-bodied and refreshing. It’s perfect for casual sipping or pairing with a variety of foods. The wine has a modest 12.5% alcohol content, making it a great choice for those who prefer lower-alcohol options.
Martha Stoumen uses minimal intervention techniques in her winemaking process. This approach allows the true character of the grapes to shine through in the final product.
When you taste Post Flirtation Red, you’ll notice its fresh fruit flavors and savory undertones. It’s a wine that’s both interesting and enjoyable to drink.
5) Domaine Binner Alsace Gewürztraminer
Domaine Binner, located in Alsace, France, produces exceptional natural wines. Their Gewürztraminer stands out as a must-try for wine enthusiasts.
Christian Binner, the winemaker, follows organic and biodynamic practices in his vineyards. This commitment to natural methods results in a pure expression of the Gewürztraminer grape.
You’ll find this wine bursting with aromatic notes. Expect flavors of lychee, rose petal, and exotic spices typical of the Gewürztraminer variety.
The Binner family has been making wine since 1770, giving them deep roots in the region. Their experience shines through in the quality of their wines.
This Gewürztraminer pairs well with bold, spicy foods. Try it with Asian cuisine or pungent cheeses for a delightful culinary experience.
When you choose Domaine Binner’s Alsace Gewürztraminer, you’re not just enjoying a wine. You’re tasting a piece of Alsatian winemaking history and tradition.
6) Gut Oggau ‘Theodora’
Gut Oggau ‘Theodora’ is a captivating white wine that deserves your attention. This Austrian gem comes from the biodynamic winery Gut Oggau, located in the Burgenland region.
‘Theodora’ is crafted from a blend of Grüner Veltliner and Welschriesling grapes. You’ll find it aromatic and textured, offering a unique tasting experience. The wine is fermented in used barrels of various sizes, adding depth to its character.
When you sip ‘Theodora’, you’re tasting the essence of natural winemaking. Gut Oggau bottles this wine without adding sulfur, staying true to their minimal intervention philosophy.
The winemakers, Eduard and Stephanie Tscheppe, have created a fictional family to represent their vineyards. ‘Theodora’ is portrayed as the youngest member, reflecting the wine’s youthful and vibrant nature.
You’ll appreciate the high quality of this vintage, which has received positive ratings from wine enthusiasts. Its popularity stems from its unique character and the winery’s commitment to natural winemaking practices.
7) Frank Cornelissen Susucaru Rosato
Frank Cornelissen’s Susucaru Rosato is a unique natural wine from Sicily. It’s made from a blend of local grape varieties grown on Mount Etna’s volcanic slopes.
This rosé stands out for its vibrant flavor profile. You’ll taste notes of red berries, herbs, and a hint of minerality. The wine’s complexity comes from its skin contact and use of indigenous yeasts.
Susucaru Rosato is known for its refreshing character. It pairs well with many dishes, making it a versatile choice for meals. The wine has no added sulfur, staying true to natural winemaking methods.
While earlier vintages gained significant attention, recent changes have affected the wine’s popularity. Since 2017, Cornelissen has started filtering and adding sulfur, which some feel has changed the wine’s character.
Despite these changes, Susucaru Rosato remains a sought-after wine. Its unique taste and connection to Mount Etna’s terroir continue to intrigue wine enthusiasts.
When you try this wine, pay attention to its lively acidity and fruit-forward profile. It offers a taste of Sicily’s natural winemaking tradition in each sip.
8) Domaine Lapierre Morgon
Domaine Lapierre Morgon is a standout in the world of natural wines. This winery is located in the Beaujolais region of France, and it has gained a reputation for producing exceptional, low-intervention wines.
When you taste a Lapierre Morgon, you’ll notice its vibrant red fruit flavors and silky texture. These wines often showcase notes of cherries, raspberries, and plums, with a delightful freshness that keeps you coming back for more.
The winery’s commitment to natural winemaking practices sets it apart. They use minimal sulfur and rely on indigenous yeasts for fermentation, resulting in wines that truly express the terroir of Morgon.
Mathieu Lapierre, who took over from his father Marcel, continues the family tradition of crafting aromatic and delicious Beaujolais wines. His careful winemaking approach preserves the purity and elegance of the Gamay grape.
You’ll find that Lapierre Morgon wines offer excellent value for their quality. They’re perfect for both casual sipping and pairing with a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re new to natural wines or a seasoned enthusiast, Domaine Lapierre Morgon is definitely worth exploring.
9) Domaine des Sablonnettes ‘Les Copains d’Abord’
You’ll find a true gem in Domaine des Sablonnettes’ ‘Les Copains d’Abord’. This natural wine comes from the heart of France’s Coteaux du Layon AOC.
Christine and Joel Menard, the passionate winemakers behind this creation, have been crafting wines for over three decades. Their dedication to biodynamic methods shines through in every bottle.
‘Les Copains d’Abord’ is a red wine made from Grolleau grapes. You’ll notice its vibrant red fruit notes that dance on your palate.
What sets this wine apart is its natural production process. The Menards don’t use artificial yeasts, allowing the wine to express its true character.
When you sip ‘Les Copains d’Abord’, you’re tasting the essence of their 13-hectare vineyard. It’s a perfect example of how natural winemaking can produce stunning results.
This wine is ideal for those who appreciate authenticity in their glass. You’ll find it’s worth every bit of the hype surrounding natural wines.
10) Il Farneto Frisant Bianco
Looking for a refreshing natural wine? Try Il Farneto Frisant Bianco. This sparkling white wine comes from Emilia-Romagna in Italy.
Il Farneto makes this wine using organic and biodynamic grapes. The main grape varieties are Spergola and Sauvignon Blanc. The result is a lively and easy-drinking wine.
You’ll notice a bright straw yellow color with lively bubbles. The aroma is fragrant with hints of flowers and white fruits.
When you taste it, you’ll find it fresh and refreshing. It’s perfect for warm days or as an aperitif.
The winemaking process is natural. They use spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. The wine is unfined and unfiltered, with minimal added sulfites.
Il Farneto aims to bring natural agriculture back to their area. Their commitment shows in this delightful Frisant Bianco. It’s a great introduction to natural wines for those new to the style.
Understanding Natural Wines
Natural wines are made with minimal intervention and additives. They aim to express the true character of the grapes and terroir. Let’s explore how these wines are produced and what makes them unique.
Production Process
Natural winemaking starts in the vineyard. Grapes are grown organically or biodynamically, without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Harvesting is done by hand to ensure only the best grapes are selected.
In the winery, natural fermentation occurs using wild yeasts found on grape skins. No commercial yeasts are added. Winemakers avoid filtering and fining, which can strip flavors. Sulfites, if used, are kept to a minimum.
Natural wines often ferment in neutral vessels like concrete or old oak barrels. This allows the grape’s natural flavors to shine through. The goal is to interfere as little as possible with the wine’s natural development.
Key Characteristics
Natural wines have distinct traits that set them apart. They often appear cloudy due to lack of filtering. Colors may be more vivid or unusual compared to conventional wines.
The flavors can be quite different too. You might notice:
- Funkier, earthier aromas
- Yeasty or cider-like notes
- Lighter body and lower alcohol content
- More pronounced acidity
Taste profiles vary widely. Some natural wines are fruit-forward, while others have nutty or savory characteristics. Each bottle can be a unique experience, as natural wines are less standardized than conventional ones.
Natural wines may have a shorter shelf life due to lower sulfite levels. It’s best to drink them young to enjoy their vibrant flavors.
The Rise of Natural Wines
Natural wines have become increasingly popular. You might have noticed them popping up on restaurant menus and in trendy wine shops.
What makes these wines special? Natural wines are made with minimal intervention in the winemaking process. This means winemakers use fewer additives and chemicals.
Many wine lovers appreciate the unique flavors of natural wines. They often have a more complex taste profile compared to conventional wines.
The natural wine movement started in France in the 1960s. It has since spread to wine regions around the world.
Today, you can find natural wines made from various grape varieties. Some popular options include:
- Pinot Noir
- Gamay
- Cabernet Franc
- Sauvignon Blanc
Natural winemakers focus on organic or biodynamic farming practices. This approach aims to protect the environment and produce healthier grapes.
You might notice that natural wines look different too. They’re often unfiltered and unrefined, giving them a cloudy appearance.
While natural wines can be more expensive, many wine enthusiasts believe they’re worth the price. The unique flavors and sustainable production methods appeal to those seeking something different in their glass.
