Glossary

Natural Wine

/NACH-ur-ul WINE/

Wine made with minimal intervention and additives.

WinemakingBusiness

Full Definition

Natural wine is made with minimal intervention - typically organic or biodynamic grapes, indigenous yeast fermentation, no or minimal sulfur additions, and no other additives or technological manipulation. There's no legal definition, leading to debate. Proponents value authenticity; critics note inconsistency and faults. The natural wine movement has grown significantly since 2000.

Related Terms

low interventionorganicbiodynamic

See Also

sulfitesindigenous yeast
Native YeastBack to GlossaryNebbiolo

Reference

More terms starting with N

Negociant

A merchant who buys grapes or wine to blend and sell.

New Oak

Barrels being used for the first time.

New World

Wine regions outside traditional European areas.

Noble Rot

Beneficial fungus (Botrytis cinerea) for sweet wines.

Nose

The overall aromatic character of wine.

Native Yeast

Wild yeast found naturally in vineyard or winery.