As a sommelier and brewer, I can provide some insight into the distinction between organic wine and natural wine. While the terms “organic” and “natural” are often used interchangeably, they actually have different meanings when it comes to wine production.
Organic wine refers to wine that is made from grapes grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Organic vineyards follow strict regulations set by various certification bodies, such as the USDA Organic or the EU Organic regulations. These regulations prohibit the use of certain chemicals and require the use of organic methods for pest and disease control.
On the other hand, natural wine is a more loosely defined term that encompasses a philosophy of winemaking that seeks to minimize intervention in the winemaking process. Natural winemakers often follow organic or biodynamic practices in the vineyard, but they take it a step further by using minimal or no additives during the winemaking process. Natural winemakers typically ferment the grapes with native yeasts, avoid adding sulfites, and refrain from using fining agents or filtration.
So, while all natural wines are organic, not all organic wines would be considered natural. This is because some organic wine certifications permit the use of certain additives and fining agents that are against the spirit of natural winemaking. For example, the addition of sulfites, which are a common preservative in wine, is allowed in organic wine production up to certain limits. Natural winemakers, however, usually try to avoid or minimize the use of sulfites altogether.
It's also worth noting that natural winemaking is often associated with a more hands-off approach, allowing the wine to express its true character and reflect the specific terroir where the grapes were grown. This can result in wines that may have a more “wild” or funky character compared to conventionally made wines.
In my experience, I've had the opportunity to taste both organic and natural wines, and the differences can be quite noticeable. Organic wines can still vary in style and flavor profile depending on the winemaker's choices, but generally, they tend to be more similar to conventionally made wines in terms of taste and appearance. Natural wines, on the other hand, can be quite unique and often exhibit more pronounced and distinct flavors, as well as a certain liveliness and energy that comes from minimal intervention.
While organic wine refers to grapes grown without synthetic chemicals, natural wine takes organic practices a step further by minimizing intervention in the winemaking process. All natural wines are organic, but not all organic wines would be considered natural due to differences in winemaking practices and regulations.