What makes spontaneous fermentation superior?
What makes spontaneous fermentation so fantastic?
6/2/20262 min read
Understanding Spontaneous Fermentation
Spontaneous fermentation is a traditional winemaking method that allows nature to begin producing wine on it's own. Ferment comes from the latin word "fervere" which means "to boil". This is seemingly what nature does to it as it begins to look like it is on a stove. This is the wine spoken of in the bible in contrast to most all of the modern era wines. This process needs no other ingredient than the grape itself. With spontaneous fermentation, the wine develops its unique flavors and characteristics influenced by the environment and the grapes themselves. Spontaneous fermentation is fundamentally different from modern yeast inoculation, where producers introduce yeast varieties into the fermentation process.
The Impact of Yeast Inoculation
When wines are inoculated with yeast, it creates a completely different process which also leads to the need for various chemicals and stabilizing agents. These are not required to be disclosed on the bottle label, thus allowing consumers no awareness of what they are truly drinking. In contrast, our wines made with spontaneous fermentation embrace the essence of the grapes, utilizing one ingredient only: pure, 100% fresh juice from handpicked grapes. This simplicity is what allows spontaneous fermentation to create the best wine and wine experience by far.
The True Experience of Old World Wines
With no sulfites or additives required in the production of wines created through spontaneous fermentation drinkers can experience the authentic essence of the vineyard. This method reflects an inherent respect for traditional practices and what original wine truly was. Spontaneous fermentation allows the wine to present its true terroir without introducing anything but the grape. Most producers still use additives even when they have used some variation of spontaneous fermentation, and some call it spontaneous when it's actually been inoculated with some strain of yeast.
True spontaneous fermentation uses only the juice with zero additives and should be done in an inert container such as glass. This prevents leaching of heavy metals and produces the purest wine.
Once you experience this difference, you will grasp what old world wine truly was and is. The richness of flavor, the dynamic aroma, and the connection to the land all come together to create a wine that is not only enjoyable but also an authentic representation of its origin.