NATURAL, ORGANIC, VEGAN, AND BIODYNAMIC WINES: CLEARING THE CONFUSION
Recently, a customer walked into our store and mentioned that they have an allergy to wine. Despite this, they are passionate about wine and are desperately searching for a type that they can enjoy without worrying about an allergic reaction. Questions like these, concerning natural, organic, vegan, and biodynamic wines, are becoming more frequent. Could these wines be a better option for people with allergies? Before answering that, let's take a closer look at what makes these wines different from traditional ones.
Natural Wines – Back to Basics
Natural wines are made with minimal human intervention. This means the grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and the winemaking process happens without chemical additives like sulfites, which are commonly used as preservatives. Natural wines ferment spontaneously, thanks to wild yeast found on the grape skins.
The history of natural wines dates back to the earliest days of winemaking, when all wines were essentially natural because modern agricultural chemicals didn’t exist. It wasn’t until the 20th century, particularly in the 1960s and 70s, that a movement began to return to traditional winemaking methods. France and Italy have been leading the way in this trend.
Fun Fact: Natural wines are often less stable than conventional wines, meaning they can vary in taste from bottle to bottle. Some see this as a flaw, but for many natural wine lovers, this unpredictability is part of the charm.
The Taste of Natural Wines
Natural wines offer a unique tasting experience that can be quite different from traditional wines. Their flavors are often more complex and wild, due to the minimal intervention during production. Natural wines can have earthy notes and even slightly sour or fermenty flavors, which some drinkers might find less balanced. This means natural wines require an open mind and a bit of patience to fully appreciate.
Fun Fact: Drinking natural wines is often described as drinking “living” wine. The fermentation process can continue longer than in conventional wines, and the flavor may evolve even after bottling.
How Long Do Natural Wines Age?
One of the key aspects of natural wines is their aging potential. Compared to conventional wines, natural wines typically have a shorter shelf life, especially those without added sulfites. Sulfites act as preservatives, and their absence means these wines are more susceptible to oxidation and can lose their freshness more quickly.
Natural wines are best enjoyed within a few years of bottling. For some wines, particularly light whites and rosés, it’s recommended to drink them within the first year or two. The exception might be more concentrated and tannic red wines, which can develop complexity with age, but even they have their limits.
Fun Fact: Natural wines that have been aged in traditional wooden barrels may have a longer aging potential, but it’s still not as long as conventional wines. It's always best to check with the producer or distributor for specific recommendations on how long to age a particular natural wine.
When Do Natural Wines Lose Their Value?
Natural wines are more prone to changes that can affect their quality, even after bottling. This means their value can drop relatively quickly if not stored under the right conditions. The most common issues that can arise over time include:
- Oxidation: Natural wines, especially those without added sulfites, can oxidize quickly. This can result in a change in color (towards a more brownish hue) and the loss of fresh fruit notes in favor of more muted aromas.
- Microbial activity: Minimal intervention in the production process means that some natural wines may contain live yeasts and bacteria, which can continue to develop in the bottle, potentially leading to unwanted changes in taste.
Natural wines can also lose their "commercial" value as their instability may put off some consumers. This is why many producers recommend drinking them relatively soon after bottling to enjoy their full flavor.
How to Store Natural Wines
Storing natural wines requires special care, as the lack of preservatives makes them more sensitive to temperature changes and environmental conditions. Here are a few key tips:
- Temperature: Natural wines should be stored at a cool, consistent temperature, ideally between 10 and 15°C (50 to 59°F). Too high a temperature can accelerate the oxidation process.
- Bottle position: Natural wines, especially those with natural corks, should be stored horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent air from entering the bottle.
- Light: Avoid exposing bottles to light, especially sunlight, which can affect the wine's quality. It’s best to store them in a dark place.
Organic Wines – Certified Eco-Friendly
Organic wines, like natural wines, are made from grapes grown without chemicals. However, the difference is that organic wines must meet specific ecological standards, which are certified by external organizations. The production of organic wines allows for limited use of sulfites, though these are strictly controlled.
Fun Fact: For a wine to be certified as organic, not only do the grapes need to come from organic vineyards, but the entire production process must meet ecological standards.
Vegan Wines – Not Just for Vegans
Vegan wine is made without any animal-derived ingredients. In traditional winemaking, animal products like egg whites, gelatin, or fish bladders are often used as fining agents to clarify the wine. Vegan wines avoid these methods, using plant-based or mineral substances instead.
Fun Fact: Many consumers aren’t aware that wines can contain animal-derived ingredients, which is why vegan certifications are becoming more popular.
Biodynamic Wines – Wine in Tune with the Moon
Biodynamic wines take eco-friendly practices to the next level. Biodynamics is a holistic approach that considers the moon and planetary cycles, using herbal and mineral preparations to enhance soil and plant health. Biodynamic winemaking is aligned with nature at every stage, from growing the grapes to fermentation.
Biodynamics is based on the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, who in 1924 laid out the principles of biodynamic farming, blending agriculture with spirituality. These practices emphasize that farming should be in harmony with the cosmos, with the health of the plants and soil being the foundation of the product's quality.
Fun Fact: Biodynamic wines are often considered more balanced and full of energy, with some producers believing that the lunar calendar has a significant impact on the wine’s quality.
Technological Challenges
Producing natural and biodynamic wines comes with technological challenges. The lack of chemical additives makes it harder for these wines to withstand long transport and storage. As a result, they are often produced and consumed locally, reducing their carbon footprint. For producers of organic or natural wines, maintaining consistent quality is also a challenge, as each vintage can vary significantly due to the reliance on natural conditions.
Wine Allergies – What to Look Out For
A wine allergy can manifest in various ways, from mild symptoms like headaches and skin itching to more severe reactions such as breathing difficulties. The main culprits behind wine allergies are usually:
- Sulfites: These chemical compounds, added as preservatives, are often responsible for allergic reactions. Natural and organic wines typically contain fewer sulfites, and some natural wines are completely sulfite-free.
- Histamines: Produced during fermentation, histamines can trigger allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to them.
- Yeasts: Some individuals may be allergic to the yeasts used in wine fermentation.
Fun Fact: Red wines often contain more histamines than white wines, so people with histamine intolerance may tolerate white wines better.
Sulfite Allergy – Facts and Myths
There are many myths surrounding sulfites, so it's worth clearing them up. Sulfites naturally occur in wine, even in wines where no additional sulfites have been added. Sulfite-free wines are those that haven’t had extra sulfites added, but they may still contain trace amounts naturally.
Interestingly, sulfites are also present in many other foods, such as dried fruits or juices, and their concentration in these products is often much higher than in wine. Some consumers may confuse a reaction to sulfites with a reaction to alcohol or histamines, making it crucial to understand what exactly triggers the allergy.
Are Natural, Organic, and Biodynamic Wines Better for Allergy Sufferers?
While natural, organic, vegan, and biodynamic wines may contain fewer chemical additives, they are not automatically "safe" for people with allergies. It’s essential to pay attention to the specific ingredients that trigger your allergies, such as sulfites or histamines. Natural wines may contain fewer sulfites, but they are not entirely free of them. Similarly, biodynamic wines, despite their natural methods, can still cause allergic reactions due to the presence of natural yeasts or histamines.
If you suffer from allergies, it’s worth experimenting to find a wine that doesn’t trigger your symptoms. However, it’s always best to consult with a doctor before making any decisions about consumption.
Wrapping It Up
Natural, organic, vegan, and biodynamic wines offer exciting alternatives to traditional wines and are gaining popularity, especially among those concerned with health and sustainability. While they may be healthier for some consumers, they aren’t automatically safe for those with allergies. Their flavors can be more complex, wild, and raw, which can be both an advantage and a challenge. These wines typically have shorter shelf lives and require proper storage. If you have a wine allergy, it’s worth seeking out wines with lower levels of sulfites and histamines and carefully reading product labels.