Natural wine (vin nature) is made using as few agrochemicals and additives as possible, from grape growing through winemaking. There's no clear international standard yet, but its appeal is an unadorned taste that lets the grape's true character shine.
How it differs from conventional wine
| Aspect | Natural wine |
|---|---|
| Grapes | Often organic or biodynamic, low in agrochemicals |
| Yeast | Often wild (naturally occurring) yeast |
| Additives | Minimal or no added sulphites (preservatives) |
The natural wines Swirl chooses
Swirl selects natural wines made under strict rules and certification, for two reasons. One is to limit big swings in taste from year to year (vintage). The other is to avoid unexpected off-flavours from yeast activity or re-fermentation. Wine made in a properly managed environment arrives exactly as the maker intended — at its best — and partners cleanly with food.
How to choose natural wine
If it's your first, start with a clean, fruit-forward style. Swirl carries many organic-certified and sustainably farmed producers. Browse the organic-certified selection here.
How to enjoy it
Natural wine is best enjoyed fresh and lightly chilled. For the difference from organic certification, see What is organic-certified wine?
FAQ
Q. Are natural and organic wine the same?
A. Not exactly. Organic mainly refers to certification of grape growing; natural also means minimising additives during winemaking.
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