Frequently asked questions about natural wine

What is natural wine?

Natural wine is wine made with as little intervention as possible, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. The grapes are grown organically or biodynamically, harvested by hand, and fermented with wild (indigenous) yeasts. No additives or industrial processing aids are used. Sulfites are either not added at all or added in very small amounts.

What is the difference between natural wine and organic wine?

Organic wine has an official EU label and indicates how the grapes were grown: without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. However, all kinds of additives are still permitted in the cellar. Natural wine goes further: it is a philosophy that also involves minimal intervention in the cellar. Natural wine has no official label, but it does have a clear set of ethics.

What is biodynamic wine?

Biodynamic wine is made according to the principles of Rudolf Steiner. The estate is considered a closed ecosystem, utilizing biodynamic preparations and the lunar calendar. Biodynamic winemakers are certified through Demeter or Biodyvin. It is a step further than organic, with even more attention paid to soil health and biodiversity.

Is natural wine cloudy? And why?

Natural wines are often slightly cloudy because they are unfiltered. This is not a sign of poor quality—quite the opposite. The cloudiness is caused by living yeasts and other natural particles that are filtered out in conventional wine. Do not shake the bottle too much before pouring, and let it stand for a while if necessary.

How long does natural wine keep?

That varies significantly by wine. Light, fresh natural wines are best drunk young (within 1-3 years). More complex wines from Chenin Blanc (Loire), Chardonnay (Jura), or Savagnin can age for years. When in doubt: check our product descriptions or contact us.

How should I store wine at home?

Store wine on its side, in a cool and dark place (ideally: 12-15°C), away from vibrations and direct sunlight. A wine fridge is ideal, but a cool cellar or cupboard will also suffice. Avoid the refrigerator for long-term storage—it is too dry and too cold.

What is orange wine?

Orange wine is white wine made with prolonged contact between the juice and the grape skins (maceration). This gives the wine an amber hue, more tannins, and a more complex flavor profile. Orange wine is an ancient technique that originated in Georgia and is now popular worldwide among natural winemakers.

Which wine goes with cheese?

Wine and cheese from the same region almost always pair well together. Classic combinations: Jura wine with Comté, Loire Chenin Blanc with goat cheese, Jurançon with blue cheese. Read our extensive article on wine and cheese pairings for more tips.

Do you also deliver outside the Netherlands?

Yes, we deliver throughout almost all of Europe. Check our shipping page for rates and delivery times per country.

How can I get in touch?

Send an email to info@lekkersapje.nl or use the contact form on our website. We respond within one business day.