Wine 101: Wine, Explained Well

Wine 101: Soils Explained
Guido Cattabianchi
Great wine starts underground. Soil texture, structure, minerals, microbes, and water dynamics govern vine vigor and berry chemistry—and, ultimately, a wine’s aroma, texture, and aging potential. From limestone and slate to basalt and loess, each soil writes a distinct physiological...
Pencil color illustration of red grapes - primalwine.com
Guido Cattabianchi
Low-sulfite wine (sometimes written “low-sulfites”) refers to wines crafted with minimal added sulfur dioxide (SO₂)—often just enough to protect freshness and stability, and sometimes none at all (“no added sulfites”). Sulfites occur naturally during fermentation, so even “NAS” wines will...
Pencil color illustration of a ladybug - primalwine.com
Guido Cattabianchi
Organic wine refers to wines made from grapes grown without synthetic herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers, and vinified under rules that restrict certain additives and processing aids. While details vary by market, organic certification gives drinkers verifiable standards from vineyard to...
Pencil color illustration of vineyards - primalwine.com
Guido Cattabianchi
The natural wine movement has emerged as a significant force in the global wine industry, advocating for sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in the winemaking process. This movement prioritizes organic and biodynamic farming practices, eschewing synthetic chemicals in favor of...
Pencil color illustration of vegetarian food - primalwine.com
Guido Cattabianchi
Exploring vegan wine and wondering how it differs from natural wine, organic wine, and biodynamic wine? This guide explains what makes a wine vegan, the role of fining and filtration, which ingredients to avoid, how certification works, and tips for...
A biodynamic vineyard with animals - primalwine.com
Guido Cattabianchi
Shopping for biodynamic wine and curious how it compares to organic wine and natural wine? This deep dive explains the principles behind biodynamic viticulture, how they translate to the cellar, what these wines taste like, and how to choose great...
Image for Rosé Wine Winemaking Made Simple Article, a glass of rosé with some vegetation.
Guido Cattabianchi
Rosé wine is a serious, terroir-driven category—not merely a seasonal refreshment. Made primarily from red grapes with limited skin contact, rosé spans crystalline, bone-dry Provençal styles to deeper, gastronomic expressions like Tavel and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo. This guide—written in a professional,...
Grape harvest, French wine classifications, Natural Wine, Primal Wine
Guido Cattabianchi
French Wine Classifications: A Primer France employs a complex system of classifications to describe the roles and processes within its wine industry. These terms can define the origin and quality of the wines and also shed light on the business...
Negociant in Natural Wine, a Tractor with a Trail full of Grapes Riding in the Vineyards.
Guido Cattabianchi
Négociant wines make great wine more accessible—uniting skilled sourcing, transparent labeling, and low-intervention cellar work. This guide explains how négociants operate, where they excel, and how they intersect with natural wine. Learn the differences between classic merchants and Négociant-Manipulant, what...
What's the Deal with Vegan Wine? - Vegan Wine Natural Wine - Red Wine Glass
Guido Cattabianchi
Hey there, wine lover! Ever wondered what's really in that glass of wine you're swirling? Whether you're a vegan enthusiast, a curious drinker, or just here for a good time, we're about to take a grape-tastic journey into the world...
Box of organic fruit and vegetables held by a person, natural wine, organic wine.
Guido Cattabianchi
Definition of Organic Farming Organic farming is a method of agricultural production that prioritizes environmental sustainability, soil health, and ecological balance. This practice differs from conventional farming methods in several key ways. While conventional farming often relies on synthetic chemicals...
What is the Saignée Method? Natural Wine and Natural Winemaking
Guido Cattabianchi
The Saignée method, from the French word "saigner" meaning "to bleed," is a specialized winemaking technique primarily used in the production of rosé wines, but it also serves a dual purpose in the concentration of red wines. In this article...