We live in a largely digitalized , automated and technologically advanced age, yet we still know very little about basic elements like food and nutrients.
We spontaneously pronounce various acronyms such as non -GMO, DOP, DOC without actually knowing what they are; not everyone knows how to give an exhaustive definition of their meaning and even less do we know about the actual origin of the drinks and food that we put on the table every day.
On this page we will talk about wines and we want to take the opportunity to deepen the theme linked to natural wine .
What is meant by natural wine?
By natural wine we mean that wine obtained from grapes from organic or biodynamic agriculture .
The denomination - natural wine - is not explicitly recognized by any legal norm.
This type of natural wine is, officially, a product without a label. Its origin dates back to the late seventies , following a movement directed by the French winemaker Jules Chuavet : he was one of the first to oppose the use of chemicals in the cultivation of vines and in the processing of wine.
In fact, natural wine does not require the addition of any type of additive or adjuvant (such as sulfur) in vinification, maturation and refinement , with the exception of a small quantity of sulphites (40 mg / l).
Sulphites , more precisely sulfur dioxide, are to be considered natural elements as they are released by the wine during its fermentation.
The sulfur dioxide therefore acts as a preservative and stabilizer, necessary to protect the aromas of the wine . It also prevents its composition from being altered by oxygen particles .
In any case, it must be borne in mind that natural wine is not synonymous with organic wine or biodynamic wine : in the next paragraphs we will explain why.
Difference between natural wine and organic wine
The substantial difference between natural wine and organic wine is found not only in the method of cultivation of the vine , but also during the winemaking process .
While, what unites them is the limited intake of synthetic chemicals and the manipulation by man .
The denomination - organic wine - unlike that of - natural wine - was defined, since 2012, also by the European legislator, who established that this term would replace the pre-existing one, "wine produced from grapes from organic farming" . Basically it is defined as organic that type of wines made from grapes grown according to the canons of organic farming, or without the use of chemicals, such as insecticides, pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers.
Furthermore, again with reference to organic wines, they are produced with a minimal amount of sulphites and chemical additives with the function of preserving the aroma and preventing the alteration of the product .
In any case, organic wines to be placed on the market require an ad hoc certification issued by a specialized certification body .
The biodynamic wine
As for natural wine, even the denomination - dynamic wine - is currently not reflected in any legislative norm.
This type of wine is made from grapes from biodynamic agriculture.
Biodynamics comes into contact with agriculture in relation to astrological influences on planets and soils. Their interconnections seem to have stimulating and enhancing effects on the processes and natural substances used for the care of the vines and the winemaking process.
The pruning of the plants and the grape harvest , for example, are carried out respecting the phases of the moon.
In any case, even if in the cellar the use of sulphites cannot be eliminated, it can be argued that biodynamic wines are even more organic than those produced with grapes from organic farming.
The wine from our wine shop
In our wine shop we have selected some wineries that produce natural, organic and biodynamic wines.
As mentioned, natural wines are those made from organic grapes, without the addition of chemicals , such as the Petit of the Manincor Company , a sweet wine of French origin.
The grapes used for the Le Petit di Manicor wine, a niche vine not present in Italy , are grown in the Mazzon vineyards .
Le Petit by Manicor is a straw yellow colored wine with golden reflections; its aromatic bouquet releases aromas of mango, lychee and dried apricots, together with complex and layered hints of honey and noble rot.
This sweet, energetic and fresh natural wine is recommended to accompany delicate cheeses and desserts.
Another winery that deserves to be mentioned is that of the Nicola Gatta winery, which produces a brut sparkling wine from Chardonnay and Pinot noir grapes, produced according to the classic method .
The Ombra sparkling wine by Nicola Gatta is characterized by a straw yellow color studded with fine and persistent bubbles .
Its bouquet with citrus scents combined with aromas of broom and mineral notes , is fresh on the palate, as well as lively : it goes well with vegetarian cuisine and fish dishes.
Discover our selection of natural wines .