5 Best Natural Wines to Enhance Your Dining
Going out for a meal or drink in this modern age can be complex. While there are many more options for dining out, there are also many more reasons to be cautious about what you consume and where. There is an increase in awareness of the effect that food has on your body. More people are seeking to consume foods that are free of harmful additives.
At the Alpine Diner, we do our best to provide our patrons with healthy foods featuring high-quality natural ingredients sourced locally. The same goes for our beverages.
Below, we take a look at some of the best natural wines on our wine list and how you can pair them with some of our favorites from our food menu.
What is Natural Wine?
Are you wondering if natural wines are worth trying? These beverages are produced with minimal intervention. This means that they do not contain many of the additives used to speed up the fermentation process or enhance taste or color. By allowing nature to take its course you are better able to enjoy the true character of the grape.
The practice of making natural wine without using any additives dates has been around for thousands of years. Ideally, once the grape is harvested and the wine-making process begins, no foreign ingredients are added. In addition, nothing should be removed from the wine.
Organic Wine vs Natural Wine
Is organic wine the same as natural wine? A beverage can be organic and natural. However, not all organic wines are natural. I’ll explain why. An organic wine is made from organic ingredients. The grapes used are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. However, the production process may include the use of certain additives. There may also be several interventions during the wine-making process.
While both organic and natural wines prioritize environmentally friendly practices, they differ in the process used. Natural wines take a more minimalist approach with the goal of letting the wine reflect its natural vintage characteristics.
Natural Wines to Try at The Alpine Diner
At the Alpine Diner, we pride ourselves on offering a selection of the best natural wines to enhance your dining experience. Below are some that you may want to try during your next dining experience with us.
Big Mario’s Special Sauce
Named after the founder of the Big Mario chain of pizza restaurants, Big Mario’s ‘Special Sauce’ 2021 is our house's natural wine. This is easily the best organic red wine on our wine menu featuring organic grapes that are hand-blended in Piedmont, Italy. The wine is a blend of Riesling, Barabara, and Slarina grapes. Experience the rich flavor of dried fruit and light tannins while enjoying the fruity aromatics. This rich red makes a great complement to our red meat dishes including pot roast, steak salad, and ribeye.
Duex Moulins
If you prefer white wine, you can’t go wrong with Duex Moulins. This organic white wine is also a natural wine as it is minimally processed. Made from the traditional grapes in the Loire Valley of France, this wine is versatile. It offers a great balance of acidity and fruitiness. It’s the perfect complement to poultry dishes. Try it out with our Pasta Bolognese.
Martin & Anna Arndofer
This is another excellent choice for a natural white wine. The manufacturers of this wine are particularly careful to apply minimal wine-making processes to preserve the original taste of their organic grapes. This wine is an excellent accompaniment to seafood. Its balance of fruitiness and acidity makes it a versatile choice for various other dishes. Consider pairing it with fish, chips, or even pasta Bolognese.
Ciello Rosso
This dark red wine is a great choice for your meat dinners. Its spicy flavor with fruity undertones also makes it a great complement to various other meals. The wine is made from organic grapes grown in Sicily, Italy. As a bonus, this wine is vegan making it the perfect choice for vegan meals too. The wine also offers hints of black plum, coffee, and chocolate.
Explore Natural Wines with Us
Visit the Alpine Diner and explore our wide range of beverages. Our staff would be glad to help you make the best selection for your meal.