Natural wine aims to find the expression of a terroir, far from formatted and conventional practices. By rejecting the use of chemicals, the winemaker "natural" , sensitive to the respect of its environment, makes a living and free wine. Explanation.
NATURAL WINE IN THE VINEYARDThese winegrowers respect the nature of the subsoil, the soil, the vines, the grapes and, in the end, the wine lover. By choosing this ethical and thoughtful path, the winemaker of natural wine works its terroir with care. He cares about the subsoil, where the roots of the plant draw, and therefore preserves the ecosystem. The emphasis is on the grapes, favouring quality rather than quantity. Some even follow precise specifications to have their wine certified by private organisations linked to the organic label (Organic Agriculture, Ecocert). It is then confirmed that the working methods of winemaker are based on the respect of the living, without chemicals or synthetic products. This is the basis of the natural philosophy. In line with organic farming, many of them practice biodynamic viticulture, which can also be certified (Demeter, Biodyvin). This method strongly strengthens the link between winemaker and its vineyard. In particular, by following a lunar calendar for working the vines, biodynamic viticulture recommends homeopathic preparations to nourish the soil in a healthy way.
THE VINIFICATION OF NATURAL WINE
Manual harvesting is preferred to mechanical harvesting. Only indigenous yeasts (naturally present in the grapes) are accepted to start the fermentation. The use of sulphur is nil (" Wine without added sulphites ") or even minimal (30mg/l for reds, 40mg/l for whites tolerated). Handling is gentle and slow so as not to alter or make up the soul of the wine. Little or no racking, ageing on lees, weak filtrations, etc... In summary, we can say that winemaker organic or natural keeps company with the wine to guarantee the natural reflection of the juice.
NATURAL WINE IN THE BOTTLE
The winemaker natural wine, attached to its freedom and free from any straitjacket, can do without the geographical and gustatory amenities of an AOC. This is why natural wine is sometimes classified as " Vin de France".
ORGANIC WINE OR NATURAL WINE: TO KNOW
An organic or natural wine is a free wine, which sometimes needs to be tamed! It is a delicate, often fragile wine, where the presence of natural gas is frequent. This is why your wine sometimes deserves to be "decanted" (aerated in a carafe) a few hours before tasting. This is an essential condition to help it open and make its aromatic complexity sparkle in the best possible way. Now you can shine in society!
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