Una fila de un viñedo orgánico en Adega do Vimbio en Galicia.

What is the difference between a natural wine and a traditional wine?

, by Emilio David Devesa Gonzalez, 6 min reading time

Have you ever wondered what makes a wine truly natural? Natural wines are gaining popularity among wine lovers who value authenticity and sustainability. Unlike traditional wines, these are produced with minimal intervention both in the vineyard and in the winery, without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or commercial yeasts. At Vinnatura, we offer you a carefully selected selection of natural wines, especially from Galicia, that invite you to discover unique and genuine flavors. Explore our store and find your next favorite wine where each bottle tells a story of the Galician landscape!

What is a Natural Wine?

Natural wines are much more than a recent trend; they are a return to the origins of wine. Imagine how the ancient Egyptians, Sumerians or Greeks made wine: without chemical additives or industrial machinery, just with simple methods such as fermentation in clay amphorae. That is, in essence, a natural wine: a wine that respects the purity of the grape and the land from which it comes.

In the 20th century , pioneers such as Jules Chauvet, Max l'Eglise and Marcel Lapierre in France decided to revive these traditional winemaking methods, seeking wines that authentically reflected the terroir and essence of the grape . In Spain, the trend was not long in coming, and today natural wines are gaining a special place in high-end restaurants and specialist shops. But what makes a natural wine so special compared to a traditional wine?

Organic bush vineyard with well-aligned vines, surrounded by vegetation and a partially cloudy sky, at the Saiñas winery in Galicia

What is the Difference between Natural Wines and Traditional Wines?

The main difference between a natural wine and a traditional one is in the winemaking process . Traditional wines are produced using conventional techniques that involve significant intervention by the winemaker: use of sulfites as preservatives, commercial yeasts, fining agents and stabilizers. These practices ensure a consistent flavor and longer shelf life of the wine . If you like a specific wine and want it to always taste the same, this approach is ideal.

However, if you are looking for a more authentic experience, natural wines offer something different. These wines are made with minimal intervention both in the vineyard and in the winery. Here, no pesticides, synthetic fertilizers or artificial chemicals are used. In the winery, only indigenous yeasts are used, meaning those that are already naturally present in the grapes and in the environment. This means that the wines are not filtered or clarified , maintaining sediment and a much more lively and authentic flavor profile.

Thus, each bottle of natural wine is unique , purely expressing the characteristics of the terroir: the climate, the soil and the grape variety. If you want to taste a wine that truly tells a story with every sip, natural wine is your choice.

Why Are Natural Wines Increasingly Popular?

Nowadays, many people like you are looking for more sustainable and authentic options , not only in food, but also in drinks. Natural wines align with these values . Not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they also offer a unique sensory experience.

Unlike traditional wines, which tend to have a more uniform and predictable taste, natural wines can surprise you with more pronounced acidity, more vibrant flavors , and in some cases, a slight effervescence due to spontaneous fermentation. They may be a little cloudier in appearance, but this cloudiness adds richness and texture , offering an experience that many find more complex and rewarding.

Additionally, natural wines are grown using organic or biodynamic farming practices , encouraging biodiversity and minimizing environmental impact. Although some traditional wine producers are also adopting sustainable practices, natural wines typically have a deeper commitment to ecosystem conservation .

Vineyard with ripe red grapes hanging from the vines, forming a green and leafy roof, in a typical Galician vineyard.

Discover Natural Wines at Vinnatura

If after all this you are curious to try natural wines , at Vinnatura we have a special selection designed for you , with an emphasis on Galician wines that respect both the terroir and the environment.

Among our options, we recommend the Nanclares y Prieto winery, which focuses on letting nature express itself in its wines through biodynamic practices , such as the use of seaweed to improve the health of the vineyard and encourage an ecological balance. At the winery, located in the Rias Baixas, they keep intervention to a minimum to allow each plot to reflect its unique characteristics, thus preserving the authenticity and natural character of their wines . This philosophy of minimal intervention seeks to capture the essence of the Galician terroir in each bottle.

Another standout option is Roico, the skin-macerated Albariño from Adega do Vimbio , also known as orange wine. This wine offers a distinctive amber color, soft tannins, and aromatic complexity, with hints of dried fruit, honey, and flowers. It's a sensory experience you won't want to miss from this Galician winery .

If you prefer something different, try O Acordo our Rosado of Albariño, Caiño Tinto and Sousón, a different blend that combines freshness and complexity , with notes of fresh red fruits and a mineral touch. Each glass is a trip to the landscapes of Galicia.

Ready to explore more? Discover all our wines and find the one that best suits your tastes. Each one tells a story of the terroir and the winemaker who created it.

Pack of 4 natural wines from Galicia, on a table on the terrace of the Adega do Vimbio winery in the Rías Baixas.

Dare to Try Something New

Now that you know more about what makes natural wines unique, why not venture out to discover them for yourself? At Vinnatura, we want to help you find that wine that speaks directly to your senses and your ecological conscience. Explore our online store, let your curiosity guide you, and find the perfect wine for your next celebration or special dinner.

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  • Un post excelente, bien hecho

    AN

    Angela on

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