In our “natural” wine bar and wine shop I n Australia we use what seems to be the French definition for natural wine and insist on organic/biodynamic grapes, no filtering or fining and no additions except for up to 30ppm sulfur at bottling (not during fermentation or elevage). We do have one other criterion though, not overtly faulty. A tiny bit of VA sometimes lifts a wine but that’s it. We are also winemakers & are disappointed at the growing number of fake natural winemakers out there who see these wines as a marketing opportunity & a style rather than a philosophy. Many of these people can’t make wine without a textbook or a cupboard full of chemicals and would probably be better off working in a cornflakes factory.
Not even a single recommendation? - you know, to whet the whistle, and get us excited about that of what you speak. Having consumed my fair share of not so great naturals, I’m curious, and am thinking about plunking down a little under a Benjamin, but it would be nice to offer a token, “and here are a few in a couple different price points and styles to entice you”. I’d try them, be impressed - or not, and happily fork out the $89 if it’s the former.
Hi Jody, I tend to steer clear of specific recommendations because I have readers all over the world and availablility and price can very a lot depending on where you are (I for instance am British but live in Portugal and the price/availability ratio between those two countries is huge).
Having said that, I've just grabbed some names you could start with. Price-wise it would depend where you are but I would guess most will come in between $20 and $80.
I also have a store recommendation - Leon and Son in New York. They deliver to lots of different states and I've recommended them many times through my bespoke recommendation service SommAnywhere.
I'm updating this article with my recommendations now.
It’s sure come a long way! Even compared to just five years ago quality has gone through the roof and gotten more consistent.
Great read! I love the distinction between style and philosophy. Also appreciate seeing your list of recommendations! 🍷
Thanks Samantha!
In our “natural” wine bar and wine shop I n Australia we use what seems to be the French definition for natural wine and insist on organic/biodynamic grapes, no filtering or fining and no additions except for up to 30ppm sulfur at bottling (not during fermentation or elevage). We do have one other criterion though, not overtly faulty. A tiny bit of VA sometimes lifts a wine but that’s it. We are also winemakers & are disappointed at the growing number of fake natural winemakers out there who see these wines as a marketing opportunity & a style rather than a philosophy. Many of these people can’t make wine without a textbook or a cupboard full of chemicals and would probably be better off working in a cornflakes factory.
Yes I work towards a similar definition. Good to have you reading, Bob!
Not even a single recommendation? - you know, to whet the whistle, and get us excited about that of what you speak. Having consumed my fair share of not so great naturals, I’m curious, and am thinking about plunking down a little under a Benjamin, but it would be nice to offer a token, “and here are a few in a couple different price points and styles to entice you”. I’d try them, be impressed - or not, and happily fork out the $89 if it’s the former.
Hi Jody, I tend to steer clear of specific recommendations because I have readers all over the world and availablility and price can very a lot depending on where you are (I for instance am British but live in Portugal and the price/availability ratio between those two countries is huge).
Having said that, I've just grabbed some names you could start with. Price-wise it would depend where you are but I would guess most will come in between $20 and $80.
I also have a store recommendation - Leon and Son in New York. They deliver to lots of different states and I've recommended them many times through my bespoke recommendation service SommAnywhere.
I'm updating this article with my recommendations now.