As we usher in 2024, the spotlight on natural wines beams brighter than ever. These wines, celebrated for their minimal intervention philosophy and eco-conscious ethos, offer a sip that is as close to nature as you can get without plucking grapes straight from the vine.
Tim / Pexels / Natural Wines are wines in their most authentic, unadulterated form, often produced by small-scale, artisanal winemakers who prioritize sustainability and biodiversity.
However, natural wines can be a bit of a wild card: Unpredictable, varied, and full of character. They challenge the palate, offering flavors and aromas that can range from the boldly funky to the sublimely pure. It Is a realm where the wine reflects the land and the year's weather more than the heavy hand of the winemaker.
Whether you Are a natural wine aficionado or a curious novice, here are six natural wines that stand out in 2024, offering a perfect entryway or continuation into this intriguing world.
Lucy M Sauvignon Sensuel 2020
Kicking off our list is the Lucy M Sauvignon Sensuel 2020. A vibrant expression of Sauvignon Blanc that turns everything you thought you knew about this grape on its head. Forget the sharp, aggressively citrusy profiles you might be used to.
Engin / Pexels / Hailing from the dynamic soils of Australia, Lucy M Sauvignon Sensuel 2020 presents a more nuanced side of Sauvignon Blanc.
It is all about texture, depth, and a sensual dance of flavors that range from ripe stone fruits to delicate herbal undertones. So, it is a testament to what happens when you let the grape and its terroir do the talking.
St Nicolas de Bourgueil La Ferme des Fontaines 2019
Next up: Loire Valley with the St Nicolas de Bourgueil La Ferme des Fontaines 2019. This Cabernet Franc is a love letter to its storied region, offering a fresh, lively take on the grape. Expect a medium-bodied wine that balances fruitiness with earthy depth.
Nonetheless, there is a vibrancy here. Thanks to the natural winemaking techniques that preserve the grape's inherent freshness while introducing layers of complexity through subtle hints of spice and a gentle, approachable tannin structure.
2Naturkinder Black Betty Landwein 2019
Diving into Germany's natural wine scene, the 2Naturkinder Black Betty Landwein 2019 is a revelation. This wine challenges preconceptions about German winemaking, showcasing a dark, intriguing side with its blend of local varieties.
Andrea / Pexels / With a lively acidity that keeps everything in check, 2Naturkinder Black Betty Landwein 2019 is by far the best natural wine to try this year.
Plus, the Black Betty is a wine that begs for food. It pairs beautifully with everything from hearty stews to grilled vegetables.
Rallo Vicoletto Catarratto
From the sunny hills of Sicily comes the Rallo Vicoletto Catarratto, a white wine that captures the essence of the island. Catarratto, one of Sicily's most beloved indigenous grapes, shines here in a rendition that is all about freshness and minerality.
However, the wine is a breeze to drink, with a floral bouquet that leads into a palate full of citrus and tropical fruit notes.
Patricia & Remi Bonneton La Tangente 'Meandres' 2021
The Patricia & Remi Bonneton La Tangente 'Meandres' 2021 is a fascinating venture into the world of French natural wines. This Rhône blend is a symphony of complexity, weaving together the richness of the region's grapes with a lightness and elegance that is rare.
So, it is a wine that evolves in the glass, starting with bright fruit and floral notes before revealing layers of spice, earth, and a touch of funk that is characteristic of natural wines done right.
Renner & Sistas Gewurz 2021
Finally, the Renner & Sistas Gewurz 2021 from Austria offers a different take on Gewürztraminer. This is a wine that defies expectations, turning down the volume on the grape's often overpowering perfume to highlight its delicate, nuanced side.
