Natural wine debate

Say what you like about natural wine, it certainly provokes debate. Known typically by the label organic or biodynamic, natural wine is more broadly speaking that made with minimal chemical intervention.

Increasingly it crops up on wine lists and shelves, while this month, for the first time, two natural wine fairs will be held in London (the first took place last year). If you don’t know much about natural wine, now is certainly the time to find out more.

Typically, there are a number of different views on the subject. One of the most contentious issues, for example, is the use of sulphur, or lack of it, in natural wines. Sulphur is used to prevent oxidation and while advocates for wine made with very little or none claim they are tastier and fresher, others assert it leads to wines that are just plain faulty.

For the uninitiated, natural wine can be a bit confusing, so here two leading figures from the wine industry give their take…

Click the links below to read each one.

"Growers have been making – and people drinking – additive-free wine for centuries..."  Douglas Wregg, director of sales and marketing at Les Caves de Pyrene

"You can bang on about soils, terroirs or winemaking methods as much as you like, but if I don’t like a wine I’m not going to go back for a second glass..."  Willie Lebus, director of Bibendum Wine Ltd

Further information:

May is Love Wine month at D&D. Find out more about wine events at D&D London restaurants.

Le Pont de la Tour, Blueprint Café, Coq d'Argent and Orrery all have natural wines on their lists, while Cantina del Ponte has a number of organic wines. Bluebird is holding a natural and organic tasting on Friday 11 May. Plus, visit The Real Wine Fair, London, 20-22 May or RAW: The Artisan Wine Fair, London, 20-21 May

Photographs: Alexandre Bain and his horse Phenomene working the vineyards of Domain Alexandre Bain in Pouilly-Fumé.