Can Natural Wine Go Bad?

A brief explainer on what causes natural wine to spoil and how to prevent it.

Natural wine has been gaining popularity among wine enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike. With its minimal intervention winemaking approach, natural wine offers a unique taste profile and often boasts health benefits. However, amidst the growing interest, questions about its shelf life and potential for spoilage arise. Can natural wine go bad? Let’s delve into this intriguing question and uncover the truths behind natural wine’s longevity.

Understanding Natural Wine

Before diving into whether natural wine can spoil, let’s first grasp what natural wine is. Unlike conventional wines, which may contain additives and undergo extensive processing, natural wine is crafted with minimal intervention. This means that during production, natural winemakers opt for organic or biodynamic grapes, eschew the use of additives like sulfites, and allow spontaneous fermentation to occur with native yeast. The result? A wine that truly reflects its terroir and exhibits unique flavors and textures. You can read more about what natural wine is in our article Isn’t All Wine . . . Natural?

Factors Influencing Wine Spoilage:

Like any other wine, natural wine is susceptible to spoilage under certain conditions. Several factors can contribute to its degradation:

1. Oxygen Exposure: Oxygen is the enemy of wine, as it can lead to oxidation, causing off-flavors and aromas. Natural wine, often bottled with minimal sulfite preservatives, is particularly vulnerable to oxygen exposure.
2. Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme temperatures can accelerate wine aging and compromise its quality. Storing natural wine in excessively warm or cold environments can expedite its deterioration.
3. Light Exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) light can degrade wine compounds and accelerate aging. Dark bottles offer some protection, but prolonged exposure to light can still impact the wine’s integrity.

Can Natural Wine Go Bad?

Now, the burning question: Can natural wine go bad? The answer is yes, but with a caveat. Natural wine, like any living product, evolves over time. While it may not “spoil” in the traditional sense, it can undergo changes that affect its taste, aroma, and overall appeal.

For instance, without the stabilizing effects of sulfites, natural wine is more prone to oxidation, which can manifest as a sherry-like aroma or a dull, flat taste. Additionally, microbial spoilage, such as the growth of acetic acid bacteria or Brettanomyces yeast, can introduce off-flavors like vinegar or barnyard funk.

However, it’s essential to differentiate between natural wine’s evolution and outright spoilage. Some enthusiasts embrace the unique character that emerges as natural wine ages, appreciating its complexity and depth. Nevertheless, there’s a fine line between desirable development and undrinkable deterioration.

Preserving Natural Wine:

To prolong the life of natural wine and minimize the risk of spoilage, proper storage is paramount. Here are some tips:

1. Store bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist and prevent air from seeping in.
2. Maintain a consistent temperature between 55-60°F (13-15°C) to slow down aging.
3. Shield bottles from light exposure by storing them in a cool, dark place or using UV-filtering wine storage solutions.
4. Seal opened bottles with a wine stopper and store them in the refrigerator to extend their freshness.
5. Enjoy younger natural wines sooner rather than later to experience their vibrant fruit flavors at their peak.

While natural wine can indeed undergo changes over time, whether it “goes bad” depends on one’s definition of spoilage. Natural wine enthusiasts celebrate its dynamic nature and embrace its evolution, considering it part of the wine’s journey. By understanding the factors that influence its longevity and implementing proper storage techniques, enthusiasts can savor the unique character of natural wine for years to come. So, head over to our shop to order a few bottles, toast to the wonders of natural winemaking, and enjoy the journey with every sip.

Cheers!