Submitted by eloise on Fri, 11/22/2024 - 09:00

From the coolest city bars to wine shops and Michelin-starred restaurants, natural wines are winning over a growing, diverse crowd. For some, it's all about purity and authenticity; for others, the cloudy appearance and earthy, sometimes unpredictable flavors still raise eyebrows.

At Xavier Vignon, we’re all about making wines that are as natural as possible—free from additives and true to their terroir.

Our Natura In Fine cuvées from Vacqueyras and Ventoux capture this philosophy perfectly, delivering wines with intense, concentrated flavors and a remarkable freshness that’s impossible to miss.

 

What is natural wine?

Unlike organic or biodynamic wines, natural wines don’t follow an official certification. So what defines a natural wine? It’s a wine made with as little intervention as possible: no additives, no added sulfites, and no chemical processes. It’s all about letting the grapes and the terroir speak for themselves—nothing added, nothing hidden.

At Xavier Vignon, we follow these principles with care and respect. Our Natura In Fine cuvées—a natural Ventoux and a natural Vacqueyras—are crafted without any additives, allowing the true flavors of the fruit and the land to come through, while ensuring a wine that remains stable and elegant in the bottle.

 

Natural, Organic, Biodynamic: What’s the difference?

The terms can be confusing, so let’s break it down.

  • Natural wine: Currently, there’s no official certification in France for natural wines. The term “natural” refers to a winemaking process with minimal intervention—no additives, no sulfites, and no other chemicals.
  • Organic wine: Organic wine, on the other hand, follows strict guidelines. The vines must be grown without synthetic pesticides or herbicides, and only limited interventions are allowed during fermentation.
  • Biodynamic wine: Biodynamic wine takes things a step further. It works with lunar and solar cycles in the vineyard and uses only natural preparations. Biodynamics goes beyond organic farming by aiming to boost the vitality of the soil and plants through holistic practices.

Ultimately, the goal is the same: to produce a wine that faithfully reflects its terroir and vintage.

 

Natura In Fine Vacqueyras and Ventoux: Authentic, Vibrant Expressions of Terroir

With our Ventoux Nature, I aimed to capture the essence of the terroirs at the foot of Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail. This wine is made from organic farming, blending 40% Grenache with 30% Syrah and 30% Cinsault. Thanks to fermentation in concrete tanks and a short ageing period, it expresses pure aromas of red fruit and spices, with no embellishments. Each sip reflects the chalky character of the soil and the freshness of the fruit, always true to its roots.

The Vacueyras Nature, on the other hand, embodies the full power of the appellation. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and a touch of rare varietals (Mourvèdre, Terret Noir, Cinsault), this wine is both rich and delicate. After a cold maceration and ageing under pressure to preserve its aromatic clarity, it reveals intense notes of ripe fruit and garrigue. It’s a structured wine—both bold and refined—perfect for those who enjoy more powerful, full-bodied reds.

 

Natural Wine: A balanced approach

Natural wines can offer bold, unexpected aromas, but they require careful attention at every stage. At Xavier Vignon, we don’t see the natural approach as an excuse for letting the wine run wild. Every step is carefully managed to ensure the wine reaches its full potential while staying perfectly stable in the bottle.

In the end, natural wine isn’t just a trend—it’s a philosophy that celebrates the authenticity of the terroir and the grape variety. So, is it a passing fad or a genuine revolution? Perhaps it’s a little of both.

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