Natural wine may have taken the world of grapes by storm, but the much-lauded drop is still surrounded by much confusion for many drinkers. To dispel the myths surrounding the vino type, P&V Merchants co-founder Lou Dowling reveals the top five things that you need to know.

1. Natural wine is not faulty wine

“The biggest misconception is that all natural wine is faulty – it’s a ludicrous, misinformed standpoint, often touted by those who have tried one or two wines and not enjoyed them. There are so many styles, so many iterations, some indistinguishable from all other wines – it’s tiring to keep on that conversation. Natural wine comes in many guises, styles, types, and is a broad umbrella that a lot of producers sit under comfortably. Yes, there are some wines that challenge preconception of what wine is, but that is part of the evolution of wine and is also part of the thrill of discovery. Bad wine is bad wine under any banner.”

2. Natural wine refers to grapes fermented naturally (and free from additions)

“All dogs are animals, but not all animals are dogs! Natural wine is typically defined as organic/biodynamic/sustainably grown grapes, fermented naturally, with no additions in winemaking (aside sulphur in low levels, at times). Wines can be a little hazy at times due to no filtering, but that’s not all natural wine either. Organic farming underpins natural winemaking, or it is hoped that it is. Organic wine can be grown to organic standards, but then made with additives, preservatives, heavy manipulation (but not always) – natural wine doesn’t do this.”

3. The process of creating natural wine is a simple one

“Very simply, grapes are hand-harvested, brought into a winery, ferment[ed] with natural/ambient yeast, [and] pressed off.  No additives or chemical enhancements are added, the wine matures in neutral vessels for the most part (old oak, amphora, stainless steel tanks etc.), and when rested, usually bottled without fining or filtration. Very simple winemaking, is the message.”

4. There are plenty of benefits to drinking natural vino

“There are several benefits. Firstly, you are buying a product that has had less done to it, and typically comes from non-chemical, sustainable farming practices. You are supporting, typically, smaller, artisan, cottage-industry producers. These two things align strongly with many peoples’ consumption of farm-grown producer, ethical proteins, sustainable seafood, organic farmer market shopping, and the like. Natural wine fits neatly alongside this. You are also typically drinking wines of diverse personality, often reflective of the winemaker, season, place the grapes are grown in – this is an interesting way of drinking. They are also typically fun, which is one of the most important things. Natural wine can also be a talking point, a conversation starter, and engaging for drinkers in their exploration of fermented things!”

5. You are not limited when it comes to pairing

“Anything and everything –  no rules in food and wine matching. Sometimes the tangy, fresher wine styles show more umami-like character than more conventionally made wines, so umami and umami can be a fun thing to pair, but really, drink with gusto, with whatever you like.”