You’ve heard the term thrown around and seen it in on some wine lists. Now, more natural wine bars are thriving in the Northwest, like L’Oursin in Seattle and Ardor Natural Wines in Portland.
In context, it seems to explain itself, like with most products that classify themselves as “natural.” But what exactly is it? Turns out, natural wine is no less tricky to define since there is no official definition. Worry not, let’s break it down together.
Natural wine is typically farmed organically, biodynamically and/or sustainably. The wine is produced with minimal, or low, intervention, with nothing being added or taken away in the process. No additives, sulfites, added sugar, yeast nutrient or anything of the like. No manipulation from acidity adjustments, color adjustments or filtration. Natural wines are also fermented with native yeasts found only in the vineyard’s ecosystem.
The end result? A living, unfiltered and unplugged product. A wine with its own personality.
This is for getting to know your wine on an elemental, intrinsic level. Unique characteristics from its location — pleasant or unpleasant — shape the wine and give it a true identity.
And since they’re unfiltered and naturally fermented, natural wines boast layers of flavor. With this, you can expect wines with cloudy, yeasty, funky or sour characteristics. Though all wine styles can be produced naturally, some natural styles include Col Fondo prosecco, sparkling pét-nat and orange wines.
This recent natural wine movement echos the values of similar craft movements of beer, gin, cider or kombucha. All these movements celebrate unconventional flavor, equalizing the drink culture, supporting sustainability and creativity in the market.
And in the scope of natural wine, it’s about valuing locality in the way we live and drink.
Of course, we want you to drink for yourself. Natural wines flow here in the Northwest, ready to taste and showcase the terroir of our region. Gather your friends and try these low-intervention examples.
2017 Petilliant Natural Rosé | Minimus Wines | Carlton, OR | $30
2015 Pinot Noir | Alit Wine | Dundee, OR | trio for $83
2016 Ramato Pinot Grigio | Viola Wine Cellars | Portland, OR | $21
2014 M&L Riesling | Morell-Lawrence | Walla Walla, WA | $14
Interested in learning more about natural wine? Check out this article in the Winter 2018 print edition of Sip Northwest Magazine. For the full story and more like it, click here.
