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Wine Styles & Varietals

Natural Wine

Wine style and varietal guide

Reviewed by , Drinks Editor
SpecialtyVaries • Varies11–13.5% ABVVaries bodyVaries sweetnessvaries acidityVaries tannins

What is Natural Wine?

Natural Wine is a distinctive wine style offering unique balance of flavor and character, enjoyed in diverse settings.

Best For

Specialty

Food Pairings

Bar SnacksCheese BoardSmall PlatesTapas

Taste & Style

Varies sweetnessvaries acidityVaries tanninsVaries bodyEarthyFunkyRed FruitAcidic

Flavour profile

Earthy(low)Funky(high)Red Fruit(low)Acidic(medium)

Food pairings

  • Bar SnacksBar Snacks · medium
  • Cheese BoardCheese · high
  • Small PlatesGeneral · high
  • TapasGeneral · medium

Best for

  • Best with Bar Snacks
  • Best with Cheese Board
  • Best with Small Plates
  • Earthy

Frequently asked questions

What is Natural Wine?
Natural Wine is a distinctive wine style offering unique balance of flavor and character, enjoyed in diverse settings.
What does Natural Wine taste like?
Natural Wine is often described as Earthy, Funky, Red Fruit, Acidic. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
What foods pair with Natural Wine?
Natural Wine pairs well with Bar Snacks, Cheese Board, Small Plates, Tapas. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
How strong is Natural Wine?
Natural Wine typically has an ABV of 11–13.5%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
When should I drink Natural Wine?
Natural Wine works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
What wines are similar to Natural Wine?
If you enjoy Natural Wine, explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
Does Natural Wine improve with age?
Cellaring potential for Natural Wine depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare Natural Wine with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.

Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.