Natural winemakers use organic or biodynamic farming practices, avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, and use native yeasts for fermentation.
Dining Desk is a contributing writer covering eat-drink and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Natural wine is wine that is made with minimal intervention in the vineyard and the winery. Natural winemakers use organic or biodynamic farming practices, avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, and use native yeasts for fermentation. Natural wines are usually unfiltered and unfined, which means they can be cloudy and have sediment. Natural wines are often described as funky, funky, or alive, and they can taste very different from conventional wines. The natural wine movement is part of a broader trend toward low-intervention, sustainable, and authentic food and drink.
Emma's in Surry Hills is a natural wine bar with a focus on Australian and New Zealand natural wines. The bar has approximately 100 wines on the list, including orange wines, pét-nats, and skin-contact wines. The bar also has a small food menu, including house-made sourdough, seasonal vegetables, and cheese. The bar is open from 4pm to midnight on weekdays and from noon to midnight on weekends. The bar is located in a converted terrace house and has a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
The Winery in Surry Hills is a natural wine bar with a focus on European natural wines. The bar has approximately 150 wines on the list, including orange wines, pét-nats, and skin-contact wines from France, Italy, and Spain. The bar also has a small food menu, including house-made charcuterie, cheese, and seasonal vegetables. The bar is open from 4pm to midnight on weekdays and from noon to midnight on weekends. The bar is located in a converted warehouse and has a spacious, industrial atmosphere.
Yellow in Potts Point is a natural wine bar with a focus on Australian natural wines. The bar has approximately 80 wines on the list, including orange wines, pét-nats, and skin-contact wines from Australia. The bar also has a small food menu, including house-made sourdough, seasonal vegetables, and seafood. The bar is open from 4pm to midnight on weekdays and from noon to midnight on weekends. The bar is located in a converted apartment and has a cosy, intimate atmosphere.
Benedict in Newtown is a natural wine bar with a focus on European and Australian natural wines. The bar has approximately 100 wines on the list, including orange wines, pét-nats, and skin-contact wines. The bar also has a small food menu, including house-made charcuterie, cheese, and seasonal vegetables. The bar is open from 4pm to midnight on weekdays and from noon to midnight on weekends. The bar is located in a converted terrace house and has a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Frankie's in Bondi is a natural wine bar with a focus on Australian natural wines. The bar has approximately 80 wines on the list, including orange wines, pét-nats, and skin-contact wines from Australia. The bar also has a small food menu, including house-made sourdough, seasonal vegetables, and seafood. The bar is open from 4pm to midnight on weekdays and from noon to midnight on weekends. The bar is located on Bondi Road and has a relaxed, beachside atmosphere.
If you are new to natural wine, start with a pét-nat or an orange wine. Pét-nat is a lightly sparkling wine that is made using the traditional method. Pét-nats are usually low in alcohol and have a fruity, refreshing flavour. Orange wine is white wine that has been fermented with the skins, which gives it an amber colour and a tannic, structured flavour. Orange wines are usually dry and have a complex, savoury flavour.
If you prefer red wine, try a gamay or a pinot noir from a natural winemaker. Natural red wines are usually lighter and more acidic than conventional red wines, with flavours of red berries, earth, and spice. If you prefer white wine, try a chenin blanc or a riesling from a natural winemaker. Natural white wines are usually more aromatic and acidic than conventional white wines, with flavours of citrus, stone fruit, and herbs.
Natural wine pairs well with simple, seasonal food. The best pairings are those that complement the wine's acidity and minerality. A good pairing for a pét-nat is fresh oysters or sashimi. A good pairing for an orange wine is roasted vegetables or grilled fish. A good pairing for a gamay is charcuterie or roast chicken. A good pairing for a riesling is spicy Asian food or seafood.
Most natural wine bars in Sydney have a small food menu that is designed to pair with the wine. The menus usually include house-made sourdough, seasonal vegetables, cheese, and charcuterie. The food is usually simple and seasonal, with an emphasis on quality ingredients.
If you want to buy natural wine to take home, the following shops in Sydney specialise in natural wine:
Natural Selection in Surry Hills is a natural wine shop with a range of Australian and European natural wines. The shop has approximately 500 wines on the list and offers tastings by appointment. The shop is open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and from 10am to 4pm on weekends.
Vino Natural in Newtown is a natural wine shop with a range of Australian and European natural wines. The shop has approximately 400 wines on the list and offers tastings by appointment. The shop is open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and from 10am to 4pm on weekends.
The Wine Library in the CBD is a wine shop with a range of natural wines. The shop has approximately 300 natural wines on the list and offers tastings by appointment. The shop is open from 9am to 7pm on weekdays and from 10am to 5pm on weekends.
More information about natural wine bars in Sydney is available at Natural Selection and Vino Natural.
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