They are the UK's fastest-growing independent online retailer of 100% sustainably produced wine. Both very qualified in winemaking and tasting, the duo wanted to create the first independent online wine business specialising in sustainable wines

New Business likes to think it has its finger on the pulse and also frequently more than one, somewhat firmer on a glass. Beer, spirits, wine, in the interests of our readers we will try them all. There are upsides to every job. However, there is an area of libation we haven't visited and we are about to put that right, with some expert help from James Nathan and Moritz Bak.

So, what is sustainable wine and how is it made?

Sustainable winemaking is the catchall term for several winemaking practices that minimise damage to the environment and, as a result, the end consumer. In most cases, this means that the winemaker will use only organic products and pesticides in their vineyards eschewing the use of chemical solutions. Whilst organic winemaking is the top level of low-intervention winemaking, where as little as possible is done or added to the grapes in order to allow them to express themselves and their terroir, at its most extreme it becomes natural winemaking (or non-intervention winemaking) where nothing (not even yeasts or sulphur) is added to ferment or preserve the juice. Biodynamic winemaking treats the vineyard as one whole ecosystem and by ensuring it is healthy, balanced and in sync with nature and the moon, can offer the very best fruit.

Why sustainable wine?

Sustainable wine production is a fast-growing sector that is going to be around for a long time. The next generation of consumers are showing an interest in younger, healthier and more sustainable wines - whilst existing wine consumers are also becoming more health-conscious, looking for a wine with lower alcohol, fewer tannins, decreased sulphites and organic credentials.

James Nathan - We believe that people are growing more and more conscious about their health and the environment. They also, therefore, take a large interest in the products they use, where they are coming from, and how they are made. We source our wines from all over the world, and we also like to offer our customers something from less known varieties and countries. The vast majority of our wines are natural; either produced using organic or biodynamic methods, fermented with indigenous yeast, and made with some minimum interventions from the picking in the vineyard all the way to the bottle. We are simply after quality, natural produce and diversity.

James and Moritz are currently seeking additional finance through Indiegogo, so if you want to be part of their journey move quickly.
www.indiegogo.com/projects/pull-the-cork-sustainable-wine-retailer#/
www.pullthecork.co.uk

‘We believe that people are growing more and more conscious about their health and the environment. They also, therefore, take a large interest in the products they use, where they are coming from, and how they are made'