Exploring 13 Different Types of Natural Wine: A Comprehensive Guide

The rising popularity of natural wines has led to a lot of confusion among consumers regarding the various terms and practices associated with their production. Nowadays, wine lovers aren’t just choosing based on grape variety; they’re increasingly interested in production methods, seeking a cleaner, chemical-free drinking experience.

Currently, there is no legal definition for "natural wine." However, independent organizations such as France’s L’Association des Vins Naturels, Italy’s VinNatur, and Spain’s Asociación de Productores de Vinos Naturales de España are working to clarify the category. The common goal among winemakers is to produce wine with minimal additions in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the cellar.

Let’s explore some common terms and styles that often come up in discussions about natural wines:

Orange Wine

Despite its name, orange wine isn’t made from oranges. It’s produced from white grapes that ferment with their skins, giving the wine an orange hue and imparting complex flavors reminiscent of orange blossom and marmalade. This style has gained popularity globally, particularly in regions like Italy, Slovenia, and California.

Zero-Zero Wine

This type of wine has had nothing added to or removed from it during production. Often, it contains no added sulfites, which some attribute to headaches. However, all wines naturally contain some sulfites from the fermentation process.

Biodynamic Wine

This method takes an ecological approach to farming, treating the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. Practices include using animal manure for fertilization and following a lunar planting calendar. Some biodynamic preparations involve burying cow horns filled with manure to enhance soil quality.

Unfined/Unfiltered Wine

Most wines undergo fining and filtering to remove particles that can cloud the liquid. However, some natural winemakers argue that this process dilutes the wine’s character. Unfined and unfiltered wines retain these particles, allowing them to evolve and develop character while aging.

Low Intervention

Low-intervention wines are made with minimal human influence, which often means no added sulfites and the use of native yeasts. Growers focus on maintaining natural vineyard health without chemical treatments, though this can make disease management more challenging.

Glou-Glou Wines

Named for the sound of drinking, glou-glou wines are light, fruity, and easy to consume, often best chilled. Many are lower in alcohol and less structured, making them perfect for casual enjoyment.

Carbonic Maceration

This unique fermentation technique involves whole clusters of grapes fermenting in a carbon dioxide-rich environment, resulting in fresh, fruit-forward wines that are light and low in tannin.

Pét-Nat

Short for pétillant-naturel, this is a sparkling wine that undergoes a single fermentation and is typically consumed young. Pét-nats boast bright, crisp flavors and a somewhat rustic quality.

Brettanomyces (Brett)

This wild yeast can impart unique and sometimes controversial flavors to wine, ranging from funky and barnyard-like to floral. While some enthusiasts appreciate these complexities, others may consider brett a flaw.

Vegan Wine

Many wines involve animal-derived products during the fining process, making them unsuitable for vegans. However, increasing consumer demand has prompted wineries to create vegan-friendly wines using plant-based alternatives.

Piquette

Piquette is a refreshing low-alcohol beverage made by adding water to grape pomace (leftover grape skins, seeds, and stems) and fermenting. This traditional French drink has seen a resurgence, particularly in North America.

Organic Wine

While many organic wines align with natural wine principles, being organic does not inherently mean the wine is free of additives. Organic certification typically requires grapes to be grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.

Amphora Wine

This ancient winemaking technique involves fermenting in terracotta vessels, allowing for a unique texture and flavor profile. Amphora wines are known for their concentration and complexity due to prolonged skin contact.

With this overview, consumers can better understand the diverse landscape of natural wines and make informed choices when selecting bottles to enjoy.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!