If you've recently perused the wine list at a trendy wine bar or restaurant, you may have noticed a selection of "natural wines" available, often at a higher price point than conventional wines. But what exactly is natural wine, and does it offer any health benefits compared to its traditional counterparts?
Although natural wine has gained popularity in the United States in recent years, it's not a new concept. According to a report in Foods, natural wine emerged in France in the 1960s as an alternative to wines that relied on additives and pesticides. The movement gained momentum when winemaker Isabelle Legeron established Raw Wine in 2009, which produces natural, biodynamic, and organic wines.
As natural wine continues to make its way into more bars and restaurants, the question remains: is it worth the extra cost, and does it provide any unique health benefits compared to traditional wine?
To answer these questions, further investigation is necessary. While there is no clear consensus on what constitutes a natural wine, it is generally made with minimal intervention and without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. Some natural wines are also made with organic or biodynamically grown grapes, which may contain lower levels of potentially harmful substances than conventionally grown grapes.
However, there is little scientific evidence to suggest that natural wine offers significant health advantages over conventional wine. Both types of wine contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds, but also carry the risks associated with alcohol consumption, such as liver damage and increased cancer risk.
In summary, while natural wine may be a trendy and interesting option to try, it may not offer substantial health benefits compared to traditional wine. As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key to minimizing potential health risks.
A Closer Look at Natural Wine: What Is It Exactly?
Natural wine has become a buzzword in the wine industry, but there is still a lack of a clear-cut definition for what makes a wine "natural."
"Although there is no widely accepted definition of natural wine, most people agree that it is made from organically grown grapes without any additives during the winemaking process," says Matt Morin, The Armchair Sommelier.
Sommelier Will Howard of Rococo Steak in St. Petersburg, FL, adds, "The term 'natural wine' is not regulated and is often used interchangeably with 'low intervention,' 'raw,' or 'naked.' The goal of natural winemaking is to use minimal additives, low sulfites, and organic or biodynamic farming methods. However, the label has caused controversy in the wine world because anyone can market their wine as 'natural' without any restrictions."
According to a report in Foods, natural wines are unfiltered and undergo minimal intervention during the fermentation process, resulting in a slightly cloudy appearance and less fruity tasting notes compared to traditional wines. In addition, natural wines contain minimal sulfites, making them popular among those with sulfite allergies.
While the lack of a standardized definition for natural wine may be confusing, it's clear that this winemaking process offers an alternative to traditional methods that rely on additives and pesticides. Whether or not natural wine offers unique health benefits compared to traditional wine is still up for debate, but it's a trend worth exploring for those interested in unique and innovative winemaking techniques.
How Does Natural Wine Differ from Organic Wine?
Distinguishing Natural Wine from Organic Wine
The term "natural wine" is sometimes used interchangeably with "organic" or "biodynamic" wine. According to sommelier Will Howard, "'Natural wine' is a term in the wine world that is loosely connected to organic and biodynamic wines as well."
A report in Foods explains that interest in organic wine led to the creation of multiple subcategories of wine, including biodynamic, clean, and natural. In other words, "natural," "clean," and "biodynamic" wines fall under the umbrella of "organic" wines.
Both biodynamic and organic wines require sustainable farming practices, but biodynamic wines may contain a higher level of sulfites than organic wines. Additionally, grapes used in biodynamic wine production cannot contain any Roundup, a common herbicide.
Clean wine is similar to natural wine in that both types are produced with the intention of using fewer additives. However, natural wine places a greater emphasis on traditional winemaking techniques and returning to the "roots" of winemaking.
In summary, while the terms "natural," "organic," "biodynamic," and "clean" are related, they do have some distinct differences. Understanding these differences can help consumers make more informed decisions about the wine they choose to drink.
Natural Wine Offers Minimal Health Benefits Compared to Regular Wine
Despite growing interest in natural wine, there is little evidence to suggest that it offers significant health advantages compared to traditional wine. Small studies have been conducted, but more research is needed to better understand the potential health effects of natural wine.
One triple-blind study published in Nutrients found that natural wine induced a lower blood alcohol concentration than conventional wine when consumed in the same amount and under the same circumstances. The researchers attribute this difference to variations in yeasts used and the lack of pesticide residue in natural wine.
However, there is still no evidence of any long-term health effects of natural wine compared to traditional wine. It's important to remember that natural wine is still alcohol, and excessive alcohol consumption, whether from natural or conventional wine, is linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, liver damage, cognitive impairment, and other negative effects.
According to registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, "While natural wine or organic wine may appeal to those who want to avoid pesticides or other additives, heavy alcohol consumption, regardless of whether it is natural or not, is linked to negative health effects. Regardless of the wine variety, limiting alcohol consumption is a wise idea."
Ultimately, the choice of wine comes down to personal preferences and goals. If avoiding pesticides and sulfites is important to you, natural or organic wine may be a suitable option. However, if you prefer a more traditional wine, moderate consumption is still the key to minimizing potential health risks.