Frequently Asked natural wine Questions

  • Natural wine embodies a dedication to pure, unadulterated winemaking and a respect for traditional, hands-off practices. Made without adding or removing substances during production, these wines are often left unfiltered, which can result in natural sediment and a more textured mouthfeel. A defining feature is the absence of added sulfites, with the wines instead relying only on the trace amounts that form naturally during fermentation.

    At Magusto Wines, we support natural winemaking and winemakers as this process is lighter on our precious earth and the end products are a truer expression of their terroir.

  • Organic wine is made from grapes cultivated using organic farming methods that eschew synthetic chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. These practices protect and build soil health, support wider biodiversity in and around the vineyard, and promote a balanced, resilient ecosystem for the vines. By nurturing vines through natural inputs, careful vineyard management and an emphasis on ecological harmony, organic winemakers produce wines that more clearly reflect the purity and character of their terroir while also reducing chemical runoff and long‑term environmental impact.

    At Magusto Wines, we support organic winemaking and winemakers as this process is lighter on our precious earth and the end products are a truer expression of their terroir.

  • Biodynamic wine builds on organic farming by treating the vineyard as a connected, living ecosystem, where vines, soil, plants and wildlife interact as an integrated whole. Following biodynamic agricultural practices, producers use specific natural preparations, time vineyard work according to lunar cycles and seasonal rhythms, and prioritise soil health, biodiversity and long‑term ecological balance. All biodynamic wines are organic, but biodynamic methods go further—enhancing vineyard resilience, reinforcing natural balance and encouraging richer, more distinct expression of terroir.

    At Magusto Wines, we support biodynamic winemaking and winemakers as this process is by far the lightest on our precious earth and the end products are a truer expression of their terroir, not only for wines, but for everything grown from this land.

  • Sulfites in wine: what they are and why we avoid added sulfites

    Sulfites are naturally occurring compounds formed during fermentation that act as preservatives and antioxidants in wine. Many commercial wineries add extra sulfites to improve stability and shelf life, but natural wines generally contain only the sulfites produced naturally during fermentation.

    Why choose wines with no added sulfites

    • Gentler on sensitive drinkers: Added sulfites are often linked to headaches and sensitivity for some people. Choosing wines without added sulfites can reduce the risk of these reactions.

    • Better expression of terroir: Natural wines with only naturally occurring sulfites tend to showcase the grapes and vineyard practices more purely, without masking flavors.

    • Longevity without additives: Well-made natural, organic and biodynamic wines can age for years when stored correctly, so added sulfites are not always necessary for preservation.

    Our policy at Magusto Wines

    Magusto Wines specialises in wines with no added sulfites or only minimal, carefully controlled additions when strictly necessary to achieve a wine’s full potential. We work with producers committed to sustainable farming and minimal intervention, offering a curated selection of natural wines that prioritise purity, flavour and consumer wellbeing.

  • Unfiltered wines skip mechanical filtration before bottling, preserving natural yeast, fine sediments, and phenolic compounds. This low-intervention method often produces richer, more complex flavors, a fuller mouthfeel, and sometimes a slightly hazy appearance. However, many unfiltered wines are not cloudy—producers frequently allow wines to naturally clarify through settling without passing them through filters, so a natural wine can look just as clear as a conventionally filtered bottle.

    The misconception that all natural wines are “cloudy” or “dirty” is unfounded. Tens of thousands of natural wines are visually clear, making it impossible to tell a wine’s production method by appearance alone. To discover the difference, choose a style you enjoy and compare a well-made natural, unfiltered bottle alongside your usual wine.

    At Magusto Wines, we curate natural wines from producers committed to sustainable, low-intervention practices. We believe many thoughtfully made natural wines are not only as good as conventional wines but often superior in complexity and character. Try one and see the difference for yourself.

  • Organic wines often cost more because production expenses for winemakers are on average about 28% higher than for conventional wines. Several factors drive this price difference:

    • Labor-intensive farming: Organic vineyards avoid synthetic pesticides and herbicides, so they depend on manual work for tasks such as hand-weeding, organic pest management, canopy care and other natural vineyard practices. This increases labor hours and costs.

    • Lower yields: Organic vines commonly produce around 20% fewer grapes than conventional vineyards, resulting in fewer bottles per hectare and higher per-bottle costs.

    • Certification expenses: Securing and maintaining organic certification requires time, record-keeping and inspection fees, all of which add to the winemaker’s overhead.

    • Greater risk: Natural farming accepts higher exposure to pests, disease and extreme weather, which can lead to smaller or inconsistent harvests and increased financial risk for producers.

    These factors — higher labor requirements, reduced yields, certification costs and increased risk — explain why organic and natural wines are typically more expensive. Magusto Wines supports producers who choose organic methods for their commitment to sustainability and producing authentic, low-intervention wines.

    At Magusto Wines we see natural wine as the bespoke alternative to mass-produced bottles. You can buy a cheap, factory-made dining table that serves its purpose—functional, predictable, and easy to replace. Or you can choose a handcrafted table made by an artisan with decades of experience, built from reclaimed wood selected for its unique character, made to your exact specifications and meant to last generations.

    Natural, organic, or biodynamic wines are like that handmade table. They come from producers who prioritise careful farming, minimal intervention and authentic expression. These wines offer depth, personality and a lasting story — bottles that spark conversation, create memorable occasions and become family favourites rather than disposable commodities.

    Try one today…