The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

how are they made and what's the deal with sulfites? An expert explains

  • Written by Geoff Scollary, Adjunct Professor, Charles Sturt University
how are they made and what's the deal with sulfites? An expert explains

I was first introduced to natural wines in Paris about 20 years ago. My initial tasting experience did little to convince me this approach to winemaking would survive. Many showed faults reflecting oxidation or yeast- or bacterial-derived odours that smelled “off”.

The natural winemaking strategy has matured dramatically since then and the wines are now making significant inroads[1] in Australia. In Paris[2] and in France[3] generally, natural wines have gone from strength to strength.

The natural wine movement in Australia is being driven by consumers from varied backgrounds who, according[4] to one winemaker, demand “transparency and truth around the winemaking process”. Authenticity of the final product is key.

But how are natural wines made, and what makes them “natural”?

Read more: What drives our wine choice – taste, or the price tag?[5]

Natural winemaking

The overall goal in natural wine production is to have as little human intervention as possible[6] in the journey from the vineyard to the wine.

Grapes must be harvested manually from a vineyard managed by either organic practice or under biodynamic principles (such as those outlined here[7]).

Once the grapes are crushed, fermentation is carried out by indigenous – sometimes called “wild” – yeasts on the skin of the grapes. In some styles, grape stalks may be included in the ferment.

These practices alone, however, are not unique to the natural winemaking process; they’re sometimes used in production of conventional wines, too.

But in conventional winemaking, a wide range of processing aids and additives[8] may be used.

And this is the point of difference: in natural winemaking, no additions are made.

A person holds a bunch of red grapes.
Once the grapes are crushed, fermentation is carried out by indigenous - sometimes called ‘wild’ – yeasts on the skin of the grapes. Shutterstock

Processing aids and additives

The image here[9] demonstrates this clearly. The list of processes and additives decreases markedly as one moves from conventional through organic, biodynamic to natural winemaking.

For natural wines, once the fermentation is finished, the wine is left enclosed for the waste grape material and dead yeast cells to settle before being decanted into clean vessels for bottling.

Some winemakers will use a simple cloth-type filtration to remove larger particles. High-tech filtration techniques, such as membrane or cross-flow filtration[10], are not allowed.

The resulting unfiltered wine in bottle will be cloudy.

For a conventionally made wine, this would be a definite marketing negative. But for natural wines, it is the norm.

On the tricky question of sulfites

A lot of wines contain a compound called sulfites, which can cause an allergic reaction[11] in some people. In winemaking, they serve to reduce oxidation and limit bacterial growth.

The use of sulfites, also commonly called sulfur dioxide, in natural wines is a point of contention. There are many who refuse to use it, because they see it as an additive. Others argue a small addition to what is already present as a by-product of the fermentation can be beneficial.

Wine expert Isabelle Legeron – the first woman in France to have conferred upon her the prestigious title of Master of Wine – is a great advocate for natural wines[12].

In 2012, she established the RAW WINE[13] community to support low intervention winemakers. In her monthly wine recommendations[14], Legeron lists those with no added sulfites and those with sulfites up to 70 mg/litre[15], somewhat higher than the more common upper limit of 30 mg/litre.

People pour wine into a glass. In conventional winemaking, a wide range of processing aids and additives may be used. In natural winemaking, no additions are made. Shutterstock

In France, natural wines are now mainstream. Natural wine has, after many years of debate, been given formal recognition there under the designation “Vin Méthode Nature[16]”, a strictly defined term now accepted by key government agencies[17] and regulatory bodies.

There is a 12-point commitment charter[18] to which winemakers must adhere to obtain the Vin Méthode Nature endorsement.

There is even a sticker that can be affixed to the bottle, one version of which indicates sulfur dioxide has been added to the wine.

The taste profile

Natural wines are different in appearance and taste. Although my early experience to these wines was not always favourable, production methods have matured. While many remain cloudy, as they are unfiltered, the palate structure can show the length and depth that I chase when selecting wine.

In 2017, wine media outlet Decanter reviewed[19] 122 natural wines. The reviewers’ comments were overall positive, endorsing and reinforcing the place of natural wines in an expanding market.

Natural sparkling wines – commonly referred to Pétillant-Naturel or simply Pet Nat – are one of my favourites. Made by the ancestral method[20], fermentation begins in an open tank and, at some point, it is transferred to bottle to finish.

The wine is amazingly refreshing, albeit cloudy and lightly sparkling (about half the pressure of champagne). There is no secondary fermentation and no additives – the yeast is indigenous to the grape.

This is pretty much grapes into wine with minimal human intervention.

Read more: Appearance, aroma and mouthfeel: all you need to know to give wine tasting a go[21]

References

  1. ^ inroads (www.winemag.com)
  2. ^ Paris (punchdrink.com)
  3. ^ France (www.cntraveller.com)
  4. ^ according (www.theshout.com.au)
  5. ^ What drives our wine choice – taste, or the price tag? (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ as little human intervention as possible (bellina-alimentari.com)
  7. ^ here (cdn.theconversation.com)
  8. ^ processing aids and additives (theconversation.com)
  9. ^ image here (bellina-alimentari.com)
  10. ^ cross-flow filtration (grapeworks.com.au)
  11. ^ allergic reaction (www.allergy.org.au)
  12. ^ advocate for natural wines (www.rawwine.com)
  13. ^ RAW WINE (www.rawwine.com)
  14. ^ recommendations (www.rawwine.com)
  15. ^ up to 70 mg/litre (www.rawwine.com)
  16. ^ Vin Méthode Nature (www.jancisrobinson.com)
  17. ^ agencies (www.decanter.com)
  18. ^ 12-point commitment charter (vinmethodenature.org)
  19. ^ reviewed (www.decanter.com)
  20. ^ ancestral method (www.winemag.com)
  21. ^ Appearance, aroma and mouthfeel: all you need to know to give wine tasting a go (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/natural-wines-how-are-they-made-and-whats-the-deal-with-sulfites-an-expert-explains-174879

The Times Features

Why You Need an Expert Electrician for Your Business’s Electrical Upgrades and Repairs

When it comes to maintaining and upgrading your business’s electrical systems, it’s essential to call in a professional. Electrical work in any commercial setting requires the ex...

Why Is It Crucial to Have a Building Inspection Done Before Buying a New Home?

Purchasing a new property is a big financial decision that can impact your future for years. Whether you are a first-time buyer or an investor, good or bad, it is essential to en...

Online Application for Sick Leave Certificate: Understanding When and How to Secure One

A sick leave certificate is an official document issued by a healthcare professional to verify an individual's inability to attend work due to illness. It typically includes the ...

Digital mental health programs are inexpensive and innovative. But do they work?

Almost half of Australians will experience[1] mental health problems in their lifetime. Recent floods, droughts, cyclones, bushfires and the COVID pandemic have increased dis...

A No-Fuss Guide to an Effective Beauty Routine

Taking care of the skin and appearance need not be complicated; it need not even consume your hours of time. Smart and simple approaches can give one that glow and fresh look witho...

Safe & Effective Tattoo Removal in Auckland – What You Need to Know

If you're looking for tattoo removal in Auckland, modern laser technology offers the safest and most effective way to fade or completely remove unwanted ink. Whether it's an outd...

Times Magazine

The Ultimate Guide to Apple Watch Faces & Trending Wallpapers

In today’s digital world, personalization is everything. Your smartwatch isn’t just a timepiece—it’s an extension of your style. Thanks to innovative third-party developers, customizing your Apple Watch has reached new heights with stunning designs...

The Power of Digital Signage in Modern Marketing

In a fast-paced digital world, businesses must find innovative ways to capture consumer attention. Digital signage has emerged as a powerful solution, offering dynamic and engaging content that attracts and retains customers. From retail stores to ...

Why Cloud Computing Is the Future of IT Infrastructure for Enterprises

Globally, cloud computing is changing the way business organizations manage their IT infrastructure. It offers cheap, flexible and scalable solutions. Cloud technologies are applied in organizations to facilitate procedures and optimize operation...

First Nations Writers Festival

The First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF) is back for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, continuing its mission to celebrate the voices, cultures and traditions of First Nations communities through literature, art and storytelling. Set to take ...

Improving Website Performance with a Cloud VPS

Websites represent the new mantra of success. One slow website may make escape for visitors along with income too. Therefore it's an extra offer to businesses seeking better performance with more scalability and, thus represents an added attracti...

Why You Should Choose Digital Printing for Your Next Project

In the rapidly evolving world of print media, digital printing has emerged as a cornerstone technology that revolutionises how businesses and creative professionals produce printed materials. Offering unparalleled flexibility, speed, and quality, d...

LayBy Shopping