Natural wine is trending – and for good reason. The term itself suggests something wholly better for our bodies, and as the founder of Notwasted, Elliot Scali, explains, natural wine is also better for the planet (and your palate).

Scali launched Notwasted, a curated natural wine delivery service, to satisfy an itch: he wanted to showcase great natural wines and winemakers, and make exceptional natural drops more accessible. “It’s like when you read a really good book or see a movie, you just want people to experience what you have so badly,” he says.

So, what exactly is “natural” wine? And how is it better for the environment? As enthusiastic drinkers, but sadly not experts, we asked Scali to give us the lowdown on natural wine, including his personal recommendations for first-time sippers.

Q. The basics first and foremost: What is a 'natural' wine?

It’s always a hotly contested topic. The general consensus amongst respectable vignerons and industry people, and what I stand by, is that a wine is natural if it is farmed organically or biodynamically, incorporates the indigenous yeasts and [contains] no additives apart from a touch of sulphur at bottling. 

If you wanted to, you can go so much deeper in areas like hand-harvesting, filtering, fining, manual or machine press – the list could be never-ending.

Q. What are the benefits of drinking natural wine, for both the person and the environment?

There are probably three things that stick out for me. Firstly, natural wines just taste better. There is more grape. More energy. Less stiffness. You kind of just have to experience it yourself.

Secondly, environment is a huge one. We could get technical, but essentially when you support growers and winemakers who vouch for biodiversity, sustainability and to leave the land in a better state than they found it, you’re making a point. Not just in wine, but across all industries and with your dollars you can create positive change.

The last is supporting a community. Natural winemakers are often starting with nothing but a fiery passion to create delicious drops. They are independent, small-batch and small businesses.