Georgian Wines Have Finally Arrived — natural filtration

Wine is one of the oldest and most beloved alcoholic beverages in the world. It has been enjoyed by people for thousands of years and is considered a staple at social gatherings and celebrations.

However, over time, the production process of wine has changed, with many winemakers using preservatives to improve the taste and extend the wine’s shelf life. While these preservatives may seem harmless, they can have a negative impact on the environment and our health. That's why many people are turning to preservative-free or natural wine, which offers a host of benefits.

What Are Preservatives in Wine?

Preservatives are chemicals that are added to wine to prevent spoilage and maintain freshness. The most common preservatives used in wine are sulphites, which are compounds that contain sulphur dioxide. Sulphites are used to prevent oxidation, inhibit the growth of bacteria and yeast, and preserve the wine's flavour and aroma. They are also used to sterilise equipment and barrels during the winemaking process.

While sulphites are generally considered safe for consumption, they can cause adverse reactions in some people, particularly those with asthma or sulphite sensitivity. In rare cases, sulphites can also cause anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Why Drink Preservative-Free Wine?

Here’s why buying preservative-free wine is well worth it:

1. Better For Your Health:

Preservative-free wines are made without the use of any synthetic additives, which means they are free from sulphites and other harmful chemicals. This makes them a healthier choice for people with asthma, sulphite sensitivity, or other health conditions. Studies have shown that preservatives can cause headaches, respiratory problems, and other health issues, so choosing a preservative-free wine can help you avoid these risks.

2. Better for the Environment:

Preservative-free wines are also better for the environment. Sulphites and other preservatives can have a negative impact on the environment when they are released into the air or water. By choosing a preservative-free wine, you are reducing your carbon footprint and helping to protect the planet.

3. More Natural Taste:

A preservative-free wine has a more natural taste, as they are made without any synthetic additives. These wines are made using organic grapes and natural fermentation methods. As a result, the wine tastes more natural and has a more distinct flavour profile. If you are a wine enthusiast who enjoys exploring the nuances of different wines, preservative-free wines are an excellent choice.

4. More Affordable:

Preservative-free wines are often more affordable than traditional wines, as they are made with fewer additives and are often produced on a smaller scale. This makes them a great choice for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy high-quality wine without breaking the bank.

5. Supports Small Winemakers:

Choosing preservative-free wines is also a great way to support small winemakers who are passionate about producing high-quality wines. These winemakers often use traditional winemaking techniques and are committed to using only the best ingredients, resulting in a superior product.

How to Choose Preservative-Free Wines

Here are some tips to help you choose the right preservative-free wine for your tastes:

• Look for Organic Wines: As mentioned earlier, natural wine is made from grapes that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers. So, look for wines that are certified organic by a recognised certification body.
• Check the Label: Wines that are labelled as "natural" or "minimal intervention" are often preservative-free. Look for wines that have a short list of ingredients and no added sulphites.
• Know Your Grapes: Certain grape varieties are more resistant to disease and require fewer chemicals to grow. Look for wines made from grapes, like Saperavi, which are less likely to have been treated with synthetic chemicals.
• Research the Winery: Many small, independent wineries produce preservative-free wines. Look for wineries that are committed to sustainable and organic farming practices, and that use natural fermentation methods to produce their wines.
• Read Reviews: Read reviews from other wine enthusiasts who have tried preservative-free wines. Look for reviews that describe the wine's flavour profile, body, and acidity.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a bottle (or two) of the tastiest preservative-free, organic red wine from Tamada and enjoy it with your loved ones!

Drinks are a lot of people’s way of socialising. Whether it be over beer or champagne, people love to talk over alcohol. What is important to check is whether or not you are drinking the best organic wine or the non-organic one.

Wines are commonly chosen as the drink for intimate occasions; friends meeting to talk about life, or lovers enjoying a date for the third time. What is not common is the knowledge that there are organic and non-organic wines.

What is a natural organic wine?

Organic produce is any produce that doesn't involve anything chemical during production. These chemicals include fertilisers, pesticides, and other artificial mixed agents. The best organic wine is essentially a wine product that is produced using organic ingredients. This doesn’t mean that the wine itself doesn’t have additives. There are a few additives that are essential in the production of wine such as animal enzymes and yeast. Natural organic wine can be vegan, but this is not always the case.

Pictured: Qvevri filled with crushed grape juice and skins, just before being sealed of for fermentation.

What are non-organic wines?

The polar opposite of the best organic wine or natural organic wine are non-organic wines. This means that non-organic wines are made using inorganic ingredients. Non-organic wines are more common than organic wines because vineyards usually utilise pesticides to keep their grapes healthy and without pests. Fungicides are also frequently used to ward off and kill invasive species.

Organic wines is a trend that is exponentially growing since the rise of the movement which pushes for an organic type of living. There are people who strongly believe in the effectiveness of organic ingredients. As a matter of fact, there has been a noted 34% increase in the exports of organic wine just in Australia. This means that more and more people buy organic wine for its believed benefits.

What are the benefits if we buy organic wine?

1. Has fewer sulphites

Additives are usually added to commercialised beverages to keep them fresh for as long as possible. That’s what sulphites do. Sulphites or sulphur dioxide are additives commonly found in wine drinks which keeps them fresh for very long. A limited amount of sulphites is harmless. However, people with asthma or someone who lacks the type of enzymes which break down sulphites will be gravely affected by the presence of sulfur oxide in the drink.

2. Contains less sugar

When you buy organic wine, your sugar intake will be less as most of the sweetness that you can taste from non-organic wines are from sugar. Sugar is an essential part of wine creation because the amount of sugar added will determine the alcohol content of the wine. A sweet wine is the result of excessive adding of sugar on top of naturally occurring sugar in grapes. This is a mistake that most novice winemakers make.