Wine Knowledge

1. Natural Wine Characteristics

2. Serving Temperature and Storage

The temperature at which you serve wine really affects its flavor. When it’s at the right temperature, you can enjoy all the aromas, body structure, and have the perfect tasting experience.

Different types of wine have different ideal serving temperatures. Most white wines should be around 10-12°C (50-54°F), while red wines are best at 12-16°C (54-61°F). You can adjust these temperatures a bit based on the wine's body. Lighter reds and whites are usually served a bit cooler to highlight their crisp acidity and freshness, while fuller-bodied reds and whites can handle a bit more warmth to show off their complex flavors. Sparkling wines can go straight from the fridge to your glass, and it’s a good idea to have an ice bucket ready to keep them chilled.

In Taiwan’s hot climate, the ideal conditions for storing wine are a controlled temperature and humidity, with no direct sunlight and minimal vibrations. A wine cellar or cabinet is the best option; it provides stability for proper aging. If you want to drink fresh wines that aren’t meant for long-term storage, keeping them in the fridge for a short time works too. It may not be as stable as a wine cabinet, but it’s a simple way to keep them cool.

3. Aging Potential of Natural Wine

“A natural wine is like a little universe under a microscope.” — Gilles Vergé, Natural Winemaker from Burgundy, France.

The aging potential mainly depends on the quality of the grapes, the winemaking process, and how well the winemaker manages the details. Everything from farming methods to the production process and additives can affect whether a natural wine is suitable for aging.

Lively natural wines can naturally find a balance in their microbial environment, making them more resilient than many protected wines loaded with preservatives. That’s why a good bottle of natural wine can age for years, even decades.

However, many easy-drinking natural wines are meant to be enjoyed fresh, so it's best to drink them sooner. That said, if you keep them in a good environment with stable temperature and humidity, they can still last 1-2 years without any problem.

4. Why Does Natural Wine Look Cloudy or Have Sediment?

Natural wines can look cloudy or have sediment because they often aren’t filtered or clarified before bottling. This leaves behind some microbes and yeast residue, showing the wine’s raw character and how it evolves after opening. It gives the wine a nice texture and expresses the unique qualities of the grapes and their terroir. Plus, keeping some of those impurities can help improve the wine’s aging potential.