Natural wine offers a unique, artisanal experience with a focus on natural processes and distinct flavors, while ready-to-drink cocktails provide convenience, consistency, and a variety of familiar flavors. Cutwater Spirits stands out with its diverse cocktail range and higher ABV, while High Noon emphasizes refreshing fruit flavors and lower calories.
| Attribute | Natural Wine | Ready-to-Drink Cocktails (Cutwater Spirits, High Noon) |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Funkier, gamier, yeastier characteristics. Less fruity and more yeasty, sometimes smelling like yogurt or German Hefeweizen. Some may have sour notes. Flavors can range from light and juicy to bold and earthy. Often exhibit a lively, "raw" character. | — |
| Alcohol Content (ABV) | Typically between 10% and 14%, some natural wines can have higher or lower levels (typically less than 12.5% by volume). | — |
| Ingredients | Essentially fermented grape juice. In its purest form, it contains no additives. | — |
| Production Method | Grapes are typically hand-picked from organic or biodynamic vineyards. Fermentation occurs with no added yeast (native yeasts). Little to no sulfites are added. Often unfiltered. | — |
| Sweetness Level | Produced across the dryness/sweetness spectrum. | — |
| Organic/Biodynamic Certification | Grapes must be harvested manually from a vineyard managed by either organic practice or under biodynamic principles. Look for labels such as Demeter or Biodyvin. | — |
| Presence of Sulfites | Minimal or no added sulfites are used. Typically contain 10-35 parts per million (ppm) of sulfites, compared to 350 ppm in regular wines. | — |
| Packaging Type | Various formats, from glass bottles to cans. Tetra Paks are also used. | — |
| Serving Size | A standard serving of wine is a 5 oz glass. | — |
| Calorie Count per Serving | A standard 5 oz glass of wine contains around 120 to 130 calories. A glass of Pet Nat with 12% alcohol has around 100 calories. | — |
| Brand Reputation | Driven by consumers who demand "transparency and truth around the winemaking process". Authenticity of the final product is key. | — |
| Price Point | Ceramic wine bottles are unique and limited products, driving the cost up and making the wines far more expensive. | — |