By Lenn Thompson, Editor-in-Chief When Raphael winemaker Rich Olsen-Harbich released his first Naturale — a 2008 white blend (read the NYCR review) made without the addition of sugar or acid, without filtration or fining, and using naturally occurring yeasts and only the slightest bit of SO2 during bottling, I was intrigued. I look for deliciousness in wine, rather than a particular style of winemaking. Natural, biodynamic, organic, sustainable — they all matter on some level, but not if the wine isn't delicious. That 2008 received a 4-start rating and was a finalist in the NYCR Wines of the Year. Raphael…
Posts Tagged“naturale”
Raphael 2008 Naturale (White Blend)
I'm not a "natural wine" disciple by any means. Just like I don't go out of my way to drink organic or biodynamic wines. First and foremost, I want the wine in my glass to be balanced and to taste good. I don't advocate over-manipulation mind you. We've all had those over-extracted, over-oaked wines. Parker likes them, but I tend not to. But, if your Gewurztraminer got a little too ripe and maybe lost a little too much acid before harvest, I don't begrudge you adding a little during the winemaking process. I'm not Parker, but I'm not Feiring either.…