Established in 2017, Fresh Wines is a small family business established based in Kinross-shire, Scotland run by Kristen & Neil. They decided to start the business as they are passionate about the wines and wanted to bring them to the area! We stock natural wines and ciders that are made by small organic producers who use minimal additives or intervention in the cellar. We only keep a small batch, stocking and supplying wines we like to drink ourselves and are able to supply to local community and throughout the UK. Please get in touch via our contact page.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is a type of wine that is made with minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery. The goal of natural winemaking is to produce wine with as little human manipulation as possible, allowing the grapes to express their true, unadulterated flavors and characteristics. All of our wines come from small individual winemakers working on their own farms. Here are some key principles and characteristics of natural wine:
Organic or Biodynamic Farming: Natural winemakers often use organic or biodynamic farming practices to cultivate their grapevines. This means avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers and working with the rhythms of nature.
Hand-Harvested Grapes: Grapes for natural wine are typically harvested by hand rather than by machines. This allows for careful selection of ripe grapes and minimizes the chance of damaging them during harvest.
Minimal Use of Additives: Natural winemakers use minimal additives in the winemaking process. This includes avoiding common additives such as commercial yeast, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and fining agents. Commercial yeast is often replaced with native or wild yeasts found in the vineyard or winery.
Low to No Filtration: Natural wines are often bottled with little to no filtration, which can leave some sediment in the bottle. This is seen as a way to preserve the wine's natural character and flavor.
Low to No Sulfur: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) is a common preservative in winemaking. While some natural wines may contain a small amount of sulfur, many are made with little to no added SO2. This can make them more perishable and may require careful storage and handling.
Unique Flavors and Characteristics: Because natural wines rely on wild yeasts and minimal intervention, they can exhibit a wide range of unique and sometimes unconventional flavors and aromas. Each vintage and bottle can be different, reflecting the specific conditions of the vineyard and winemaking process.
Emphasis on Terroir: Natural winemakers often place a strong emphasis on terroir, which refers to the unique combination of soil, climate, and geography that influences a wine's character. They aim to let the terroir shine through in the final product.
It's important to note that there is no official or universally accepted definition of 'natural wine' and the term can be used somewhat loosely. Different winemakers may have their own interpretations and practices, so the characteristics of natural wine can vary from one producer to another. We suggest it's often helpful to research specific winemakers and their practices to better understand what to expect from a particular bottle, or buy from a reputable supplier.
