The world of wine has been undergoing a profound transformation in recent years. Attention to the environment, health and authentic product quality has led to the emergence and spread of terms such as sustainable wine, natural wine and organic wine. But what exactly do they mean? Are they synonymous, or are there substantial differences? And most importantly, why are more and more consumers choosing these types?
In this guide we will look in detail at the characteristics of each category, the relevant regulations, the advantages and challenges, and give useful tips on how to recognize and choose bottles that are truly respectful of nature and our health.
1. Why there is so much talk today about Wines sustainable, natural and organic wines.
The interest in these types of wine stems from a specific context:
-
Climate change: heat waves, droughts and extreme events put vineyards at risk.
-
Environmental sensitivity: reducing the impact of viticulture becomes a priority for producers and consumers.
-
Health and wellness: demand is growing for products with fewer additives, more genuine and transparent.
-
Search for authenticity: wine as a pure expression of terroir and vintage, without invasive interventions.
These factors are changing both the production and marketing of wine, creating a new, fast-growing market segment.
2. Differences between sustainable, natural and organic wine
2.1 Organic wine
Organic wine is regulated at the European (EC Reg. 203/2012) and national levels. To obtain certification, the producer must follow strict rules:
-
No synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers.
-
Use of only plant protection products allowed in organic farming (such as copper and sulfur, within specific limits).
-
Selected yeasts and oenological additives allowed only if included in the organic list.
-
More restrictive limits in sulfites than in conventional wine.
How to recognize it: the label must bear the European "green leaf" logo and the code of the certifying body.
2.2 Natural wine
Natural wine does not yet have an unambiguous legal definition in Italy or Europe, but associations such as VinNatur or Vinnaturist establish common guidelines:
-
Grapes from organic or biodynamic agriculture.
-
Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts.
-
No oenological additives (or reduction to the bare minimum, including sulfites).
-
No invasive filtration or clarification.
The basic idea is to let the wine be the most authentic expression of the grape variety and terroir, without technical interventions that alter its personality.
2.3 Sustainable wine
Sustainability in wine is a broader concept: it is not limited to the absence of chemistry in the vineyard, but includes the entire production and social cycle.
-
Rational use of water resources.
-
Reduction of the carbon footprint.
-
Renewable energy in the winery.
-
Eco-friendly packaging (lightweight bottles, recyclable caps, bag-in-box).
-
Worker welfare and support for local communities.
Examples of sustainability certifications: Equalitas, Viva Sustainable Wine (Italy), Sustainable Winegrowing (California), SWNZ (New Zealand).
3. Why choose Wines sustainable, natural and organic
3.1 Environmental benefits.
-
Reduction of groundwater pollution.
-
Protection of biodiversity in vineyards.
-
Increased resilience to climate change.
3.2 Health benefits.
-
Less chemical residues in the finished product.
-
Less sulfites, potentially useful for those sensitive to these substances.
-
Absence of unnecessary additives.
3.3 Taste benefits.
Many enthusiasts argue that a wine produced by natural or organic methods has more complex aromas and more authentic territorial expressiveness.
4. How to recognize a truly "green" wine
When standing in front of the shelf or browsing through an e-commerce, here's what to look for:
-
Label and certification marks (EU organic, Demeter biodynamic, Equalitas).
-
Producer transparency: data sheets on site, explanation of processes on label.
-
Clear vintage and provenance.
-
Presence of phrases such as "no filtration," "spontaneous fermentation," "indigenous yeasts."
5. Myths todispel
5.1 "Natural" always means better
Not always: a natural wine can be flawed if not handled properly. Technical expertise is needed even in "minimal" winemaking.
5.2 Organic never uses sulfites
False: organic uses some, but in smaller amounts than conventional.
5.3 Sustainability is only about the environment
No: it also includes economic and social aspects, such as equity in the supply chain and waste reduction.
6. Trends 2025 in the world of sustainable wine
-
Growth of Wines quality cans or bag-in-boxes to reduce weight and CO₂.
-
More focus on disease-resistant grape varieties (PIWI) to reduce treatments.
-
Dissemination of apps and QR codes on labels to tell traceability and carbon footprint.
-
Increased interest in Wines low alcohol content.
7. Tips to start tasting Wines sustainable, natural and organic
-
Start with local producers: small wineries often experiment with sustainable practices.
-
Visit trade fairs: such as Vinitaly Bio, ViniVeri, RAW Wine.
-
Keep a tasting journal: note aromas, body, sensations.
-
Pair with simple dishes: to enhance the purity of the wine.
8. Recommended pairings.
-
Fresh organic white (e.g., Vermentino organic) with seafood salads or grilled vegetables.
-
Light natural red (e.g., natural Pinot Noir) with vegetarian dishes and fresh cheeses.
-
Sustainable wine from native grape varieties with traditional regional cuisine.
9. Challenges and opportunities for the future
The sector will face some critical issues:
-
Regulatory clarity on the term "natural wine" to avoid marketing abuses.
-
Balancing organoleptic quality and product stability.
-
Educating consumers to understand real differences and values.
But the opportunities are huge: The global market for sustainable wine is expected to grow steadily, with a younger and more attentive audience.
Conclusion
Sustainable, natural and organic Wines are not just a fad, but the result of a cultural and production evolution. Choosing them means participating in a movement that protects the environment, enhances the territory and proposes a more authentic idea of wine.
Whether you are an experienced taster or a curious novice, the advice is to explore this world with an open mind and a palate ready to discover new nuances: because the future of wine will be increasingly green.
