Why Natural Wine
In simple terms, Natural Wine is the process of winemaking with minimal intervention. Grapes are hand-picked, no pesticides or herbicides used on soil or grapes, no flavor or color additives used, and rely on native yeast (air particles from open-air) for natural fermentation.
Mega Purple & Ultra Red – Manufacturers can add these super-concentrated coloring agents to change the color. And it isn't just for color. These additives add sweetness (and sugar) as well. If you react to food dyes like most people, this could be the reason you don't do well with wine.
Sawdust – Some manufacturers add sawdust or wood chips to the process. This provides tannins and the flavor of an oak barrel at a lower price.
Commercial Yeasts – Many manufacturers add commercial yeasts to speed up the fermentation. Many of these commercial yeasts are GMO. The best wines use only natural wild yeasts.
Sulphur – A somewhat controversial ingredient that is added as a stabilizer. It can also kill unwanted bacteria and wild yeasts. This is one additive that manufacturers must disclose since a small fraction of people are highly sensitive to sulfur.
Sugar – Typically added during the fermentation process. It doesn't make the wine sweeter like Mega Purple and Ultra Red, but it does speed fermentation and increase the alcohol content. Natural wines without added sugar are typically lower alcohol for this reason.
Pesticides and Herbicides – Most non-organic wines contain traces of pesticides and herbicides. Roundup is the most used herbicide in US vineyards.
What Makes wine not vegan?
Tap on theimage to learn more about Non-Vegan Wine practices