Raw is a “totally independent” wine fair created and organised by “Crazy French Woman” and Master of Wine, Isabelle Legeron. The two-day fair celebrates natural wines from around the world that, as Isabelle puts it, are “authentic expressions of place” and the “polar opposites of industrialised, big-brand, manufactured, nothing-but-alcoholic-grape-juice wines, that use imagery and suggestion to sell a product”.
All wines presented at RAW have to fulfil the following “quality of character” criteria:
- Grapes must be farmed organically and/or biodynamically, whether or not certified;
- The entirety of the Domaine from which the grapes are issued must be farmed organically and/or biodynamically, whether or not certified;
- Grapes must be hand-harvested;
- Only indigenous yeasts may be used except in the case of the second fermentation of sparkling wines, when neutral yeasts may be added;
- No winemaking additives may be used in the cellar bar; and
- No ʻheavy-manipulationʼ has been carried out using winemaking gadgetry such as reverse osmosis or cryo-extraction, spinning cone, and so forth.
Essentially, Raw showcases wines with integrity and an indie spirit.
Whether you're looking to quaff some environmentally friendly vino, keen to sample something dramatically different than that same old Tesco pinot grigio or you're simply curious about what might just be the next big thing in viticulture, Raw takes place at the Old Truman Brewery, London on 20 and 21 May from 10am to 7pm.
Tickets cost £20 in advance or £25 at the door and get you a catalogue, a tasting glass and the opportunity to taste some 500 natural wines, attend related talks and tasting seminars and meet dozens of inspired artisan producers.
Photo/Chris Osburn
