Natural wine — does it speak to you?

One still needs to know what lies behind this expression that has become commonplace. Between myths and realities, we decode the movement for you.

What is natural wine?

Natural wine is a bit like the "back to basics" trend. It is made with grapes grown using organic or biodynamic methods, without chemical additives or inputs. The idea? To let nature express itself in every sip.

Purity at the heart

For a natural wine, winemaking takes a different turn. Indigenous yeasts — those naturally present on the grapes — lead the dance during fermentation. No addition of commercial yeasts. Nothing but nature working its magic. The result? Wines that faithfully reflect the terroir and climate of their origin.

No filtration, no fining: in vino veritas

Another key characteristic of natural wine? No filtration or fining. Winemakers avoid over-manipulating the wine, thus preserving its authentic character. This may mean a cloudier appearance or sediment in the bottle, but it is a testament to its artisanal nature.

Natural wine vs conventional wine

Natural wines are often associated with a more minimalist approach. The grapes are pampered, without pesticides or herbicides. Fermentation takes place using the natural yeasts present on the grapes. Conventional wines, on the other hand, may contain chemical products and more extensive interventions.

The controversies

Of course, natural wine does not escape debate. Some say it is a matter of taste, others fear that the lack of control can result in inconsistent wines. But what is certain is that the movement sparks reflection and encourages us to reconsider our habits (see our article "Which wine is made for you?").

The "natural wine" label: fact or fiction

- True: natural wines are produced with little or no chemical intervention, letting nature take centre stage.
- False: not all natural wines are necessarily "good" and some can even be unstable. The choice depends on one's palate.

The taste of authenticity

If you are looking for more authentic flavours and a more nature-friendly approach, natural wine might win you over. Each bottle tells a unique story of the terroir and the hands that shaped it.

As you will have gathered, natural wine is far more than a fleeting trend. It is a movement that invites us to rethink our relationship with the land and our gustatory pleasures — whether you are a passionate enthusiast or simply curious.

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Our other blog articles to become an expert :

The vocabulary of wine: terms to know

How to taste a wine: the steps to follow

Choosing a good wine in 5 steps 

Which wine is made for you?

Wine culture around the world: traditions and customs from afar