April 2021 Elroy’s Fine Foods Wine Trust wines (left to right): Menti Giovanni – Monte Del Cuca ’18; Pardas Cellars – Blau Cru ’17; Rootdown Wine Cellars – Trousseau ’19
Elroy’s Fine Foods prides itself on having the largest selection of natural wines in Monterey : Find out why
Here at Elroy’s Fine Foods we happen to like Natural wine—a lot. They possess a purity that is mesmerizing. But there is more to our love for it than just the style and taste. The wines on our shelves are made by winemakers who practice good stewardship of the earth, leaving it healthier for generations to come. They are true to their place of origin and devoid of foreign contaminants. You can feel confident knowing that when you get your wine from Elroy’s Fine Foods, you are drinking only the finest that the world has to offer when it comes to natural wine. But what is it exactly that separates natural wines from conventional ones?
What is Natural Wine?
Natural wine is made from grapes that are farmed organically or biodynamically and harvested by hand. In the winery, no additives are used during the transformation of juice to wine. Fermentation is started by ambient yeasts present in the air that enter the winery on the grape skins. Mechanical manipulation is no-go. Fining and filtering, if done at all, are done using methods that forgo incorporation of outside agents. Sulfites are used judiciously, if at all.
Why Does Organic/Biodynamic Farming Matter?
For the children! Simply put, it is our collective responsibility to ensure the health and prosperity of the planet for future generations. Furthermore, natural winemakers understand that a healthy vineyard produces healthy grapes, which in turn makes good wine. Since there is no use of additives that can mask the outcome of a poor vintage, vineyard health comes first and foremost.
Why Should We Forgo Additives?
Why add them in the first place? At this moment upwards of 200 additives in wine. Non-native commercial yeasts choke out native strains and result in wine lacking personality. Some additives alter the color (Mega Purple anyone?), and some change the texture, taste, or smell. Some we could not pronounce if we tried. It should be simpler, right? We think so.
What about Sulfites?
Sulfites are a natural byproduct of fermentation and present in all wines. The resulting level post-fermentation varies, and in some cases a Natural Winemaker might add a little extra before bottling–far below the FDA limit of 350ppm–to increase the stability and longevity of the wine. The final sulfite levels in Natural Wine are far less than their conventional counterparts, and that is the way we like it.
What about Elroy’s Fine Foods?
Here at Elroy’s Fine Foods, we are passionate about our wine. Like, OVERLY passionate. One of our favorite things to do at the Uncommon Market is to educate our customers on our outstanding products – wines included. Nate, who manages our selection and runs the Wine Trust, is always ready and willing to answer questions or help you find the perfect bottle to pair with your dinner, party, or take-out night on the couch. Come join us and start your natural wine adventure!
What is the Wine Trust?
The Wine Trust is a monthly subscription that gives you three new wines to try each month and 10% off all other wine purchases during your membership. We also include blurbs about the producers and recommended food pairings for each bottle. Each curated selection features natural wines from all over the globe!
Want to join the Wine Trust? Send us an email to learn more!
