October 11, 2024 - 0 comments
Why Does My Natural Wine Say It’s ‘Unfiltered’?
One of the defining characteristics of natural wine is the cloudy, unfiltered, hazy appearance. This gives the wine added flavor, texture, richness, and complexity, without removing any of the natural goodness from the grapes.
Natural wine strives for minimal intervention, meaning the winemaker neither adds to nor takes away from the wine during production. To achieve this, winemakers must follow meticulous and clean practices to prevent unwanted bacteria from contaminating the wine and causing issues, as they won’t add chemicals or filter it out afterwards.
Why is Filtration used in Wine?
In conventional winemaking, filtration is used to remove particles like yeast, bacteria, and sediment, giving the wine a clearer appearance. Many winemakers believe that a visually clear wine is more appealing to consumers, who are also often accustomed to its smoother texture. Filtration also helps prevent potential spoilage by eliminating unwanted particles that could affect the wine’s stability over time.
There are several methods of filtration, each with varying levels of intensity, depending on the desired outcome. Let’s take a look at some common filtration methods:
Plate and Frame Filtration
How It Works: Wine is passed through a series of porous plates (filters) arranged in a frame. The plates are typically made from materials like cellulose or paper. Solids are trapped on one side, while the clear wine passes through.
Membrane Filtration
How It Works: Wine is forced through a fine membrane with very small pores. The membrane acts as a physical barrier that allows liquid to pass through while retaining particles like microbes, bacteria, and proteins.
Crossflow or Tangential Flow Filtration
How It Works: Wine is pumped parallel to a filter membrane. The high speed traps suspended particles, preventing them from settling on the membrane, while the filtered wine passes through. This method uses less pressure, reducing the risk of stripping away aromas.
Gravity or Racking
How It Works: This is a more traditional, less mechanical method often used by natural winemakers. Wine is transferred from one container to another, leaving sediment behind. Gravity allows sediments to naturally separate from the juice.
Why Unfiltered Wine?
The “unfiltered” label indicates a decision to prioritise natural characteristics and authenticity over visual clarity. In conventional winemaking, filtering can remove flavours and aromas, which often need to be added back using chemicals or other interventions. For the truest expression of terroir, the grapes, and the winemaker’s craft, choose natural, unfiltered wine. You won’t regret it!
