Wine-tasting tours have long held a place of enchantment in the hearts of travellers. These immersive journeys through picturesque vineyards provide you with an opportunity to savour the finest wines and offer a glimpse into the art, history, and culture of winemaking. Filled with a multitude of wine regions and varietals, Australia has the best places to go wine tasting. From Barossa Valley to Adelaide Hills, there are many wine regions that make your next trip unique and provide you with an unforgettable wine-tasting experience.
What Is Natural Wine?
Natural wine is a new buzzword in the Australian wine circles, and for a good reason. These wines are made with minimal intervention. Unlike conventional winemaking processes, no chemical additives are used during winemaking. Renowned for their unique character and sense of place, these wines are a testament to Australia’s diverse terroir and innovative winemaking practices.
Here are five reasons why natural wine has garnered this popularity and international acclaim:
- Authenticity and Transparency – Natural wine is made using minimal natural additives, which allows the true character of the grapes and the terroir to shine through. This appeals to consumers who seek genuine and unadulterated flavours in their wine.
- Minimal Intervention – Natural winemakers are committed to minimal intervention and prioritise organic and biodynamic farming methods to produce good quality grapes. They abstain from the usage of synthetic pesticides and harmful chemicals that affect the quality of the grapes. Other common practices used in the winemaking process are wild yeast fermentations, whole-cluster pressing, and no added sulphur or preservatives.
- Innovative Techniques – Natural winemakers are always willing to experiment and innovate. They embrace methods like carbonic maceration, skin-contact fermentation, and amphora aging to create distinctive flavour profiles. These techniques result in wines that are vibrant, textural, and full of personality.
- Health and Wellness – Today’s customers are conscious about health and look for products that are natural, organic, and have less or no preservatives. As natural wine is made using natural ingredients, it’s the perfect option for people looking for wine options that are better for both their health and the environment.
- Sustainability – The natural winemaking process employs sustainable practices such as organic or biodynamic farming methods that promote biodiversity and reduce their environmental impact. So, it’s a perfect fit for environmentally-conscious consumers seeking products with a smaller carbon footprint.
Different Types of Natural Wine:
Natural wine is made with minimal intervention and does not use any common additives during the conventional winemaking process. However, natural wine doesn’t have any specific certification or strict definition. It generally follows natural principles and is available in different types categorised by their production methods, grape varieties, and the region they come from.
Here are some common types of natural wines:
Orange Wine – Orange wine is also known as skin contact or amber wine, made from white grapes but with extended skin contact. This technique is like the production of organic red wine, provides an orange or amber colour and creates wines with unique flavours and textures.
Biodynamic Wine – Biodynamic farming is an approach that incorporates holistic principles into wine growing. These wines are made from grapes cultivated following biodynamic principles, which can include organic farming, lunar cycles, and herbal preparations.
Low-intervention Wine – Low-intervention wines are made with minimal intervention, both in the vineyard and the winery. Winemakers aim to allow the natural fermentation process to occur without the addition of commercial yeast or excessive filtration.
Zero-Zero – Zero-Zero wine describes a specific category of natural wine that adheres to certain principles of minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winery. The term ‘zero-zero’ refers to the absence of added sulphites (SO2) and the absence of filtration or fining agents.
No Sulphites Added (NSA) Wine – Sulphites are often used in winemaking as a preservative. No Sulphites Added wines are made without the addition of Sulphites or with very low levels, relying on natural processes and careful handling to prevent spoilage.
Pet-Nat (Pétillant Naturel) – Pet-Nat is a naturally sparkling wine made using the ancestral method, which involves bottling the wine before primary fermentation is complete. It results in a slightly fizzy, often cloudy wine.
Unfined and Unfiltered Wine – Unfined and unfiltered wine symbolises the natural and minimal-intervention winemaking process. An unfined wine skips the process of adding clarifying agents, allowing it to retain its natural character and occasionally presenting a slightly cloudy appearance due to suspended particles. This reflects the unadulterated nature of the wine. Similarly, unfiltered wines do not undergo the filtration process and preserve the richer and textured mouthfeel and complex flavours of the wine. Both wines prioritise minimal intervention techniques.
What Are the Health Benefits of Natural Wine?
Preservative-free wines are made using minimal intervention and natural techniques that enhance the flavour and texture of the wine. This results in various health benefits; however, these potential health benefits are associated with moderate wine consumption, typically defined as one to two glasses per day for adults. Excessive alcohol consumption can have detrimental health effects and should be avoided. Moreover, individual responses to wine can vary, so it’s essential to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any specific health concerns or conditions.
Some of the health benefits you may experience when drinking organic wine include:
- Reduced Allergic Reactions – A preservative-free wine is less likely to trigger allergic reactions or sulphite sensitivities, making it a safer choice for many wine enthusiasts.
- Higher Antioxidant Levels – Organic and preservative-free wines often have higher levels of antioxidants, which can have positive effects on cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
- Better Digestibility – Some individuals find that preservative-free wines are easier on the digestive system, leading to reduced instances of indigestion or discomfort after consumption.
- Anti-Aging Properties – The antioxidants in wine, such as resveratrol and quercetin, may have anti-aging effects by protecting cells from oxidative damage and promoting longevity.
- Improved Gut Health – Organic and preservative-free wines often undergo natural fermentation processes, which can lead to the development of beneficial probiotics in the wine. These probiotics may support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Fewer Additives – By choosing preservative-free wines, you’re opting for a more natural and unadulterated beverage, free from synthetic additives that may have adverse effects on health.
- Environmental Benefits – Supporting preservative-free and organic wines also encourages sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices, which have broader ecological benefits.
Wrapping Up:
Wine-tasting tours offer a captivating journey into the world of winemaking, where you can immerse yourself in the flavours, culture, and stories behind every bottle. Natural or preservative-free wines provide a healthier and more authentic way to enjoy this age-old beverage. By choosing these wines, you savour their exquisite flavours and contribute to a sustainable and holistic approach to winemaking, ensuring that every sip is a true testament to nature’s artistry.