Natural wines in Ibiza: ten of the best

A note about natural wine - we hear a lot of misconceptions when it comes to the differences between natural, organic and biodynamic wines. The last two are ways to work in the vineyard, whereas natural winemaking is rather a philosophy that holds together a few base concepts. First, growing grapes with respect to the soil and ecosystem, and then letting the wines ferment with wild, indigenous yeast with as little interference as possible.

It's hard to choose only ten as they are all like our children, but since you asked so nicely, here are some wines that will make your season better.

Rosé a lies (Lise et Bertrand Jousset) 

A fantastic springtime, sparkling rose made in the Loire Valley in France from Gamay grapes. With its gentle, aromatic nose and the beautiful pinkish hue, it is just what we want to drink for breakfast.

Ensayo de Burbujas (Barranco Oscuro)

This complex yet refreshing white sparkling is the perfect pairing with your oysters and anchovies. In the beautiful region of Granada (Andalucia) in Europe’s highest vineyards, Lorenzo and Luisa are making amazing natural wines. Savory and sparkling, yet juicy and elegant, this is a banger in terms of quality and price.

Paisatge Cosmic (Celler Cosmic)In the north of Catalunya, Salvador Batlle is fermenting the perfect vermouth. It's a perfect mashup between a traditional vermouth and a naturally sparkling wine (aka Pet Nat). Yes, it’s a ‘Vermut Pet-Nat’ and whether you pour it over ice for an aperitivo or sip it at the end of a meal as a digestif, it's just delicious and the perfect way to spice up your vermouth game.

Cuvée Perpétuelle - Extra Brut (Bonnet Ponson). 

Every list needs champagne. Especially in Ibiza. This project of six generations of wine making is a wonderful expression of champagne made with minimum intervention for a reasonable price. This is a typical blend of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. On the nose there is pear and quince. On the palate it is acidic and spicy. Very fresh with a chalky finish.

Pages Content (La Salada)

Toni Carbo doesn't like to be called a winemaker. His father was a grape grower and so is he. The wines he is making are of the most emotional and energetic we know of.  The Pagés Content (The Jolly Farmer) is a homage to his father and every year the field blend changes a little bit. There is a white, a skin contact and a red version and they are all so delicious we can't really choose.

Son Llebre (Avior)

Cati Ribot, a third generation Mallorcan winegrower is in the front end of Balearic winemaking. Alongside other great growers and makers they share a beautiful and creative space in Santa Margarida on the island of Mallorca. This white blend of old Mallorcan varieties (Giro ros, Premsal and Malvasia) is how Balearic wine should taste.

De l’Avant (Maison Maenad)

Full disclosure: Katy is a really good friend of ours which is why it's hard to complain to her that we never get enough bottles from her. This chardonnay, made in the little village of Orbagna in Jura is one of the more elegant and vivid wines in the region. No need to say anything more. It's absolutely delicious.

Le Cince (De Fermo)

Stefano Papetti Ceroni and his wife Eloisa de Fermo operate an agricultural project in Abruzzo. Besides winemaking, they cultivate olive oil, chickpeas, spelt, flour and more, all with a lot of respect for the soil, the region and ecosystem. ‘Le Cince’ is a deep and hypnotic half dark rosé. It's ripe like sweet and sour cherries, acidic and complex. It's a gastronomic wine that can accompany every part a meal - from aperitivo to dessert.

El Rumbero (Oriol Artigas)

The king of Alella and a very good friend of the house is making magic in the small village of Vilassar d’Alt. El Rumbero is a spring / summer easy drinking red made from ‘pansa negra’ grapes. It is juicy, slightly fruity, bright and delicious. It’s a red that can be a companion to your fried sardines or an Iberian pork loin. Or just drink the bottle alone and don't share it. That's what we do.

Toscana IGT (Pacina)

From the earth of Tuscany comes a perfect example to what most people think natural wine can not be. Big and elegant. Outside of the latest trends of ‘Glu Glu’ wines, Stefano, Giovanna, Maria and with the help of the rest of the family are presenting a natural yet a classic expression of the famous Tuscan Sangiovese. The fermentation in old Slovenian barrels gives it a rich and smooth note, round and elegant tannins are covering a healthy ripe and fresh fruit. We really think it's a masterpiece.