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Natural wine is a growing trend that has taken the wine world by storm, with an increasing number of wine enthusiasts seeking out these uniquely crafted wines. Made with minimal intervention, natural wines allow the grapes and terroir to speak for themselves, offering a vibrant and diverse tasting experience. But with so many different types of natural wines available, how do you know where to start?
To help you navigate the world of natural wine, we’ve put together a list of the most popular natural wine varietals that every wine lover should know about. Whether you’re new to natural wine or a seasoned connoisseur, these varietals will give you a deeper understanding of the range and complexity that natural wines have to offer.
1. Chardonnay
Often considered the most popular white wine grape in the world, Chardonnay is a classic varietal that works exceptionally well as a natural wine. Chardonnay’s versatility shines through in natural wine production, where the focus is on highlighting the grape’s inherent flavours, rather than masking them with excessive oak or manipulation.
In natural Chardonnay, you’ll find a balance between bright acidity and rich texture. The lack of intervention in the winemaking process often results in a wine with pronounced citrus notes, hints of green apple, and sometimes a touch of minerality. Depending on the region and the winemaker’s approach, Chardonnay can also take on more complex flavours, such as floral or nutty characteristics.
Where to try it: France (Burgundy, Jura), Australia, USA (California)
2. Pinot Noir
One of the most beloved red wine grapes, Pinot Noir is known for its elegant, light-bodied style and ability to express the terroir in which it’s grown. In natural wine, Pinot Noir really shines because the grape itself is quite delicate, and minimal intervention allows its true character to come through.
Natural Pinot Noir tends to be vibrant and fruit-forward, with aromas and flavours of red berries like strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. It can also have earthy, floral, or spicy notes that add complexity and depth. Because of its lighter body, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice for pairing with a wide range of foods, from seafood to roasted meats.
Where to try it: France (Burgundy), New Zealand, USA (Oregon)
3. Gamay
A lesser known but growing favourite, Gamay is the grape behind the famous Beaujolais wines of France. In natural wine, Gamay retains its fresh, fruity character, but without the heavy-handed interventions that often define commercial Beaujolais.
Natural Gamay is bright, juicy, and bursting with red fruit flavours like cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate. It also has a refreshing acidity and low tannins, making it a very approachable and food-friendly wine. Some natural Gamay wines even show a bit of earthiness, with floral or herbal notes that add layers of complexity.
Where to try it: France (Beaujolais), USA (California)
4. Sauvignon Blanc
A widely loved white wine grape, Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acidity and zesty citrus flavours. In natural wine, Sauvignon Blanc can be even more vibrant, often displaying an intense expression of the grape’s signature green, herbaceous qualities.
Natural Sauvignon Blanc typically has flavours of lemon, lime, and green apple, with fresh herbal notes like grass, nettle, or bell pepper. It can also have a touch of minerality, especially if it’s grown in a cooler climate. The lack of added sulphites and other chemicals gives this varietal an added sense of freshness and purity, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer crisp, lively white wines.
Where to try it: France (Loire Valley), New Zealand, USA (California)
5. Grenache
Known for its warmth and richness, Grenache (or Garnacha, as it’s known in Spain) is a popular red varietal often used in blends, but it can also shine on its own in natural wine production. Grenache produces wines with ripe, berry-driven flavours and a smooth, rounded texture.
In natural wine, Grenache often has juicy flavours of strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, with hints of herbs, spices, and sometimes a subtle smokiness. Its medium-bodied style and lower tannins make it an excellent option for lighter meats, grilled vegetables, or even spicy dishes.
Where to try it: Spain (Priorat, Rioja), France (Rhone Valley, Languedoc), Australia
6. Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah (known as Shiraz in Australia and South Africa) is a full-bodied red varietal with bold flavours of dark fruits, black pepper, and spices. In natural wine, Syrah is often less intense than its commercial counterparts, but it still delivers the rich, full flavours that this grape is known for.
Natural Syrah tends to show off its more savoury side, with peppery notes, leather, and hints of smoked meats. The fruit character is still present, but it is often balanced by earthy, mineral, and herbaceous elements. Syrah is a fantastic option for pairing with hearty meats, barbecue, or rich stews.
Where to try it: France (Northern Rhone), Australia, South Africa, USA (California)
7. Riesling
One of the most aromatic and expressive white wine grapes, Riesling is known for its vibrant acidity and floral, fruity aromas. In natural wine, Riesling tends to be more focused on expressing its unique terroir, with minimal intervention letting the grape’s natural characteristics shine.
Natural Riesling often has bright citrus and stone fruit flavours, like lemon, peach, and apricot, paired with a distinct minerality that gives it a refreshing edge. Depending on the region and winemaker, you might also find notes of petrol, honey, or floral elements like jasmine. It can range from bone-dry to sweet, making it an incredibly versatile wine.
Where to try it: Germany, Austria, France (Alsace), USA (Washington State)
8. Zinfandel
Popular in California, Zinfandel is a bold red wine grape with rich, fruit-forward flavours and high alcohol content. When made naturally, Zinfandel tends to show off its ripe, juicy fruit characteristics, but with more balance and finesse than its conventional counterparts.
Natural Zinfandel is typically bursting with flavours of blackberry, plum, and raspberry, along with peppery spices and sometimes a smoky or earthy edge. Its medium to full body and lower tannin levels make it a great match for grilled meats, pizza, or rich pasta dishes.
Where to try it: USA (California), Italy (Primitivo)
9. Tempranillo
Native to Spain, Tempranillo is the backbone of Rioja wines, but it is also found in other regions across Spain and beyond. Known for its balanced acidity, moderate tannins, and savoury flavours, Tempranillo shines in natural wine production, where minimal intervention allows its true character to emerge.
Natural Tempranillo tends to be bright and juicy, with flavours of red berries, plum, and tobacco, accompanied by earthy, herbaceous notes. It is versatile, pairing well with everything from roasted meats to tapas.
Where to try it: Spain (Rioja, Ribera del Duero), Portugal (Douro), USA (California)
10. Cabernet Franc
A close relative of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is a versatile red wine grape with flavours that range from red fruits to bell pepper and herbal notes. While often used in blends, Cabernet Franc also excels as a standalone varietal in natural wine.
Natural Cabernet Franc tends to be lighter in body and higher in acidity than its more famous sibling, with flavours of raspberry, blackcurrant, and tobacco. It can also have herbal, green pepper, and floral notes, which makes it a unique and interesting choice for any wine lover.
Where to try it: France (Loire Valley, Bordeaux), USA (California), Italy (Tuscany)
Conclusion
Natural wines offer a wide range of flavours, textures, and styles, and these popular varietals represent just a small sample of the exciting world of natural winemaking. From crisp and aromatic whites like Chardonnay and Riesling to bold, complex reds like Syrah and Cabernet Franc, there’s a natural wine varietal for every palate. Whether you’re new to natural wine or a seasoned enthusiast, these varietals will help you explore the diversity of the natural wine world and discover your new favourite bottle. Cheers!