Technical Yearbook 2023

MAY

The trend of natural winemaking By Charl Theron

Johan Yssel, Stellenbosch University

Organic Chardonnay vineyard.

When Noah accidentally brought disgrace upon himself, experiencing that the fermentation of grape juice delivers a product that can cause pleasure and a headache, he most probably did not realise that it was the first natural wine. The concept of “natural wine” has become a controversial topic with two opposing opinions. The supporters of natural wine believe their products are the only authentic natural wines, while those of a different view do not accept that their wines are “unnatural”. The issue is thus not about the making and style differences of the wines, but rather about the use of the “natural” term.

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TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2023