Natural wines have been gaining more attention among wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs, especially those seeking authenticity, sustainability, and respect for nature in every bottle. Produced with minimal intervention, both in the vineyard and the winery, natural wines are a true expression of terroir and the winemaker’s philosophy.
In this article, we’ll explore what natural wines are, how they are made, their benefits, and how to pair them. We’ll also share insights into the sustainable practices of Julia Kemper Wines, a leading producer of organic and biodynamic wines in Portugal.
What Are Natural Wines?
Natural wines are made from grapes grown using organic or biodynamic farming methods, fermented with indigenous yeasts—those naturally present on the grape skins and in the winery’s environment. During winemaking, no artificial chemicals, acidity correctors, enzymes, or industrial yeasts are added. The process is kept as pure as possible, allowing the wine to develop naturally.
At Julia Kemper Wines, located in the Dão region of Portugal, we adhere to strict organic and biodynamic farming practices, avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. We respect lunar cycles, implement natural composting to enrich the soil, and promote biodiversity to ensure healthy vines.
Winemaking Techniques at Julia Kemper Wines
At Julia Kemper Wines, we believe that great wine begins in the vineyard. That’s why we implement meticulous and sustainable techniques to ensure the purest expression of our terroir:
- Hand-harvesting: We manually select grapes to ensure only the best-quality fruit makes it to the winery.
- Native yeast fermentation: We allow fermentation to occur naturally with wild yeasts, adding complexity and character to the wine.
- Minimal intervention in the winery: We limit the use of sulfites and avoid aggressive filtration methods, preserving the wine’s authenticity.
- Ageing in French oak barrels: Some of our wines are aged in new and used barrels, adding elegance without overpowering the grape’s natural expression.
- Energy sustainability: We use environmentally friendly solutions to reduce our carbon footprint.
Sustainable Practices Behind Our Natural Wines
Beyond biodynamic and organic principles, Julia Kemper Wines employs sustainable agricultural techniques to maintain soil health and biodiversity while ensuring wines that are both authentic and of the highest quality:
- Preserving indigenous grape varieties: We prioritize native grape varieties adapted to our terroir, reducing the need for artificial interventions.
- Green fertilization and composting: We use organic compost, such as grape pomace and manure, to enrich the soil naturally.
- Environmental education: We engage with our local community and visitors, sharing knowledge about organic farming and sustainable winemaking.
These practices reflect our deep commitment to the land and ensure that every bottle of Julia Kemper Wines tells the unique story of Dão, with full respect for nature.
The Benefits of Natural Wines
Beyond being crafted with sustainability and ethical responsibility, natural wines offer several advantages:
- True terroir expression: Every vintage reveals unique nuances, unaltered by industrial standardization.
- Lower sulfite content: Often better tolerated by those sensitive to sulfites.
- Sustainability: Lower environmental impact, promoting biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.
👉 Also read: What is biodynamic wine?
Differences Between Natural, Organic, and Biodynamic Wines
These terms are often confused, but each has distinct characteristics:
| Wine Type | Characteristics |
| Organic | Grapes grown without synthetic chemicals |
| Biodynamic | Organic farming principles plus lunar and cosmic cycle influences |
| Natural | Can be organic or biodynamic, with no additives and spontaneous fermentation |
To dive deeper into this topic, we recommend reading this article from Decanter on the rising popularity of natural wines.
Pairing Natural Wines with Food
Natural wines are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide variety of dishes:
- Artisan and aged cheeses
- Fresh seafood and shellfish
- Grilled and roasted meats
- Vegetarian and vegan cuisine
A great example is Julia Kemper White 2022, a fresh, vibrant white wine that pairs wonderfully with ceviche or summer salads.
Natural Wines: A Global Trend with a Promising Future
The demand for natural wines continues to grow worldwide, especially in the UK, France, and Japan. Consumers are increasingly looking for wines that are authentic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly. In Portugal, this trend is also on the rise, with wineries like Julia Kemper Wines leading the way through exemplary practices and high-quality natural wines.
Conclusion
Natural wines offer a unique and exciting experience. Choosing a natural wine means more than just picking a drink—it means supporting a philosophy of respect for the land, people, and the true flavors of the grape. At Julia Kemper Wines, we believe the future of wine lies in this approach, where less intervention results in more character.
Explore our selection of organic and natural wines in our online store: Julia Kemper Wines.