Wine Going Vegan

When you hear me talk about vegan wine, you might wonder what animal products could possibly be doing anywhere near a barrel of crushed grapes.

After the grapes get picked, but before it makes it to your glass, they go through a stringent process to become the wine they were always destined to become. Part of the process is known as fining, which is a technique used to remove all the sediment and ‘rough edges’ of phenolics derived from grape skins and seeds floating around inside it. Traditionally, egg whites, milk, or even dried fish bladders are dropped in to give the sediment something to cling to, so when the wine is filtered, the sediment is more easily removed.

By circumventing this process, Yalumba has found themselves making far more interesting and pure wines. They found that the process could also strip the precious flavours and textures the growers and winemakers spend great efforts at getting into the wine in the first place. With no crutches to lean on, this meant Yalumba put an emphasis on getting it right in the vineyard, to ensure quality grapes are entering the winery.

“At Yalumba, we want to do the right thing and work with nature,” said Louisa Rose, Head of Winemaking. “We are committed to sustainable practices with the belief that the healthier and more biodiverse the vineyards are, the better the wines will be. Minimising human and chemical intervention ensures a balanced and healthy environment for our grapes to grow.”

What they were left with was a better wine that was handled with even greater care and attention, which led to an edgier, more interesting wine that represents the pieces of the South Australian paradise they came from. This isn’t even to mention the fact it’s become a wine absolutely anybody could enjoy, regardless of dietary requirements or allergies.

This vegan philosophy doesn’t just stop there. Yalumba prides itself on their commitment to sustainable winemaking which encompasses all aspects of their day to day business. If you love the planet as much as you enjoy a fine Friday night with friends, you’re in good company with Yalumba.

Discover more: Yalumba.com