Natural Wines: Portuguese Wines to Discover
If you're here, it's because you have a passion for wine, and you're curious about the latest trend that's capturing the hearts and palates of wine lovers everywhere: natural wines. These unique and often vibrant wines have been making waves in the wine community, and Portugal, with its rich winemaking heritage, has a lot to offer in this exciting category.
What Are Natural Wines?
Natural wines are essentially wines made with minimal intervention. This means no added sugars, no chemicals, no laboratory yeast, and as little sulphur as possible. The idea is to let the grapes and the terroir speak for themselves. This results in wines that can be incredibly expressive, showcasing a true sense of place. While the natural wine movement may seem like a modern trend, its roots go back to the earliest days of winemaking. Thousands of years ago, wine was made without the additives and technology available today. Grapes were harvested, crushed, and fermented with the yeasts naturally present on their skins. The resulting wines were unfiltered and untouched by chemicals, much like the natural wines we see today.
The modern natural wine movement began to take shape in the 1960s and 1970s in France, particularly in the Beaujolais region. Pioneers like Jules Chauvet, a chemist and winemaker, began to question the use of chemicals and additives in winemaking. They advocated for a return to traditional methods that allowed the true character of the grapes and the land to shine through. By the 1980s and 1990s, this philosophy began to spread, and more winemakers around the world started to embrace natural winemaking techniques. In recent years, the movement has gained significant momentum, with a growing number of producers and consumers seeking wines that are not only delicious but also made in harmony with nature.
The Natural Wine Movement
The natural wine movement isn't just about what goes into the bottle but also how the vineyards are managed. Organic or biodynamic farming practices are typically employed to ensure that the grapes are as healthy and expressive as possible. This holistic approach to winemaking is not just better for the environment, but it also tends to produce grapes that are healthier and more robust.
Organic Farming
Organic farming eschews synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers in favour of natural alternatives. This approach not only protects the environment but also promotes biodiversity and soil health. By using compost, cover crops, and natural predators, organic farmers create a balanced ecosystem where vines can thrive without the need for chemical intervention.
Biodynamic Farming
Biodynamic farming takes organic principles a step further, viewing the vineyard as a living organism that must be in balance with the earth and the cosmos. Developed by philosopher Rudolf Steiner in the early 20th century, biodynamic farming includes practices such as using specially prepared composts, following lunar cycles for planting and harvesting, and integrating livestock into the vineyard ecosystem. This holistic approach aims to create a self-sustaining and resilient environment for grapevines to flourish.
Why Choose Natural Wines?
You might be wondering why you should make the switch to natural wines. Here are a few reasons:
Natural wines offer a true taste of the vineyard and the region they come from. There's a sense of authenticity and connection to the land that you can't get from more industrially produced wines. Every bottle of natural wine tells a story of its origin, capturing the unique characteristics of the terroir, the grape variety, and the winemaker's touch. With fewer additives and chemicals, natural wines are often seen as a healthier option. Conventional wines can contain a variety of additives, including sulphites, stabilisers, and colouring agents, which can cause adverse reactions in some people. Natural wines, on the other hand, are typically made with minimal sulphur and no artificial additives, making them a cleaner choice for those who are sensitive to these substances.
Natural wines often come from vineyards that practice sustainable, organic, or biodynamic farming, which is better for the environment. These practices help to preserve soil health, promote biodiversity, and reduce the use of harmful chemicals. By choosing natural wines, you support farming methods that are kinder to the planet. Natural wines can be quite different from what you're used to. They can be funky, vibrant, and full of unexpected flavours. Each bottle is a unique expression of its origin, offering a taste adventure that can be both exciting and rewarding. Natural wines often exhibit a wider range of aromas and flavours, from earthy and mineral notes to bright fruit and floral characteristics.
The Natural Wine Experience
Drinking natural wine is more than just enjoying a glass of fermented grape juice. It's an experience that connects you to the vineyard, the winemaker, and the land itself. Here are some tips to enhance your natural wine experience:
Natural wines can sometimes have funky aromas and flavours due to the lack of additives and the presence of wild yeasts. This is part of their charm. Don't be put off by a bit of funkiness; instead, embrace it and see where the wine takes you.
Serving temperature is crucial for natural wines. Reds are best served slightly cooler than room temperature (around 14-16°C), while whites and rosés should be well-chilled (around 8-10°C). This helps to highlight their fresh and vibrant qualities. Some natural wines can benefit from a bit of air. Decanting them for a short period can help to open up the aromas and flavours, especially if the wine is a bit reductive (has a slight sulphur smell initially).
Natural wines are often very food-friendly. Their bright acidity and vibrant flavours can make them great partners for a variety of dishes. Experiment with different pairings to find what works best for you.
Natural wines can be quite different from conventional wines. Be open-minded and willing to explore new flavours and textures. You might find some new favourites along the way.
Notable Portuguese Natural Wine Producers
Portugal is home to several exceptional winemakers dedicated to the craft of natural wine. These producers combine traditional methods with a passion for sustainability, resulting in wines that truly express their terroir. Here are some notable Portuguese natural wine producers worth exploring:
Region: Bairrada
Filipa Pato, a prominent figure in the natural wine movement in Portugal, along with her husband William Wouters, produces some of the most expressive and terroir-driven wines in the Bairrada region. Their commitment to organic and biodynamic practices, coupled with minimal intervention in the winemaking process, results in wines that are authentic and vibrant.
Notable Wines: Nossa Calcario Baga, Nossa Calcario Branco
Filipa Pato and William Wouters
Region: Vinho Verde
Aphros Wine, led by Vasco Croft, is known for its biodynamic farming practices and dedication to natural winemaking. Located in the Vinho Verde region, Aphros Wine produces elegant and fresh wines that reflect the unique characteristics of the local terroir and grape varieties.
Notable Wines: Aphros Loureiro, Aphros Vinhão
Region: Lisboa
Quinta do Montalto, a family-run estate in the Lisboa region, embraces organic and sustainable farming methods. Their natural wines are made with minimal intervention, showcasing the purity and diversity of their vineyard's terroir. They are particularly noted for their commitment to preserving traditional grape varieties.
Notable Wines: Vinha da Malhada Tinto, Quinta do Montalto Orange Wine
Region: Alentejo
Herdade do Rocim is a leading producer in the Alentejo region, known for its innovative approach to winemaking and strong environmental ethos. Their use of amphorae for fermentation and ageing harks back to ancient winemaking traditions, resulting in wines that are both fresh and complex.
Notable Wines: Herdade do Rocim Fresh Amphora, Mariana Red
Region: Douro
Folias de Baco, founded by Tiago Sampaio, is a small but influential producer in the Douro region. Sampaio's background in viticulture and oenology, combined with his dedication to organic farming and natural winemaking, produces wines that are expressive and true to their origins.
Notable Wines: Uivo Renegado, Uivo Curtido
Region: Bairrada
Vadio, run by the father-daughter team of Luís and Eduarda Patrão, is committed to reviving traditional grape varieties and producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Bairrada. Their natural winemaking approach focuses on minimal intervention and sustainable practices.
Notable Wines: Vadio Baga, Vadio Branco
Vadio is a project from the couple Luís Patrão and Eduarda Dias
Region: Dão
Casa de Mouraz, operated by António Ribeiro and Sara Dionísio, is a pioneer of organic and biodynamic winemaking in the Dão region. Their wines are made with minimal intervention and showcase the rich diversity of the region's grape varieties and terroir.
Notable Wines: Casa de Mouraz Encruzado, Casa de Mouraz Tinto
The Future of Natural Wines in Portugal
The natural wine movement is still growing in Portugal, with more and more winemakers experimenting with minimal intervention techniques. This trend is likely to continue as consumers become more interested in sustainable and authentic products. Portuguese natural wines offer a unique glimpse into the country's diverse terroirs and grape varieties, making them an exciting category to explore.