When you pour a glass of wine, you might notice some are crystal clear, while others have a cloudy or foggy appearance. This difference can be surprising, especially for wine enthusiasts new to exploring natural or unfiltered wines. But what makes some wines clear and others foggy? Let’s dive into the reasons behind wine clarity and what it means for the wine you drink.

Identifying the color and visual aspect of wine is a fundamental step in wine tasting. Observing a wine’s appearance provides valuable clues about its age, grape variety, and style. Whether the wine is clear or foggy can influence your expectations, setting the stage for aromas, flavors, and textures to unfold. Understanding what these visual characteristics mean can deepen your appreciation of every pour.

Why are some wines clear?

Most wines you’ll find on store shelves are clear because they go through clarification processes during winemaking. These methods remove suspended particles and sediment, giving the wine a polished, transparent look. Here’s how winemakers achieve this clarity:

1. Filtering: Wine is passed through fine filters to remove particles like yeast, grape skins, or sediment. Filtering also stabilizes the wine and ensures consistency in its appearance.

2. Fining: This process involves adding substances (like bentonite clay or egg whites) to bind with unwanted particles, which are then removed, leaving the wine crystal clear.

3. Racking: Wine is transferred from one container to another, separating it from sediment that settles at the bottom.

Clear wines are often associated with modern, commercial winemaking, where visual appeal and consistency are priorities. These wines are generally stable and predictable in flavor, making them more approachable for casual drinkers.

Why are some wines foggy?

Foggy or cloudy wines are often unfiltered or minimally processed, reflecting a more natural or artisanal winemaking approach. These wines retain particles like yeast cells, grape fragments, and other natural elements. Here’s why some wines are left foggy:

1. Natural wine movement: Many foggy wines belong to the natural wine category, where winemakers avoid filtration and fining to preserve the wine’s authentic character and flavors.

2. Unfiltered wines: Some winemakers believe that filtering strips away subtle flavors and textures, so they leave their wines unfiltered to maintain complexity and depth.

3. Bottle fermentation: Certain sparkling wines and natural wines undergo fermentation in the bottle, creating a cloudy appearance from leftover yeast sediment (known as lees).

Foggy wines are often prized for their bold, raw, and unique flavors, appealing to adventurous drinkers looking for something different.

Does clarity affect wine quality?

Clarity doesn’t necessarily indicate a wine’s quality. A clear wine can be crisp, refined, and delicious, just as a foggy wine can offer complexity and depth. Here’s what to consider:

• Clear wines: Ideal for those who prefer clean, predictable flavors. These wines are crafted to highlight specific characteristics like fruitiness or freshness without interference from sediment or particles.

• Foggy wines: Perfect for those who enjoy experimental or natural styles. While the appearance might be unusual, foggy wines can deliver bold flavors, textures, and a sense of connection to traditional winemaking methods.

Does foggy wine mean it’s gone bad?

Not necessarily. Foggy wine isn’t a sign of spoilage—it’s usually a stylistic choice by the winemaker. Many natural wines intentionally retain their cloudy appearance as part of their unique charm. While an off-putting smell like wet cardboard may indicate a flaw, a slight vinegar taste doesn’t always mean the wine has gone bad. In fact, some natural wines are known for their subtle vinegar-like acidity, which can add complexity and character. Always check the aroma and taste to determine if the wine is enjoyable or if it has genuinely spoiled.

Which one is best? Foggy or clear wines?

The answer depends on your personal taste and what you’re looking for in a wine. Clear wines are perfect for those who enjoy refined, consistent, and clean flavors. These wines are often polished and easy to drink, making them ideal for casual sipping or pairing with a variety of dishes. On the other hand, foggy wines offer a sense of adventure, with bold, natural, and sometimes unexpected flavors. They’re perfect for wine lovers who appreciate complexity and aren’t afraid to explore something unconventional. Both have their charm, and with Swirl, you can discover wines that match your preferences, whether you lean toward the clear or the foggy side of the spectrum.

The swirl perspective: Clear or foggy—your choice

At Swirl, we celebrate all kinds of wines and the stories they tell. We have a special love for different and complex wines, and foggy, unfiltered wines often come with an exciting sense of discovery. Their bold flavors and unique textures make them a joy to explore. But we also know that every wine lover has their preferences, which is why Swirl offers wines for all tastes—whether you prefer the polished clarity of filtered wines or the raw charm of unfiltered styles.

With Swirl, you can learn about wines, track your favorite bottles, and experiment with a variety of styles. Dive deeper into the world of wine and find the perfect bottle, clear or foggy, for any occasion.