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.
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.
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.
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.
