With organic produce now well-and-truly mainstream, it’s natural that the same principles would extend to wine. As a result, the world of organic wines and – even more so – biodynamic wines has become one of the industry’s hot new trends. With that in mind, knowing a few things about these wines before you start shopping is essential. Find the best Organic and Biodynamic Wines.
First, you must understand that these wines aren’t inherently healthier or better tasting than their non-organic counterparts. The principal distinction is that the grapes are grown without synthetic chemicals in the vineyard, meaning you’re drinking a more “natural” bottle of wine. This doesn’t necessarily make it tastier, but the lack of additives is excellent for people who have sensitivities to certain substances like sulfites.
For a wine to be marked as “organic,” it has to be bottled by an official organic certifier and follow strict rules. To be certified, a wine must be produced with 100% organic grapes and contain no more than 100 parts per million sulfites. However, many wines on the market are made with organic grapes but must meet this requirement because they use different yeasts or add sulfites during winemaking. This is why it’s crucial always to read the fine print on your bottles of wine before you buy!
If you’re shopping for a bottle of organic or biodynamic wine, you’ll also want to be sure you’re buying from a reputable retailer that stocks these wines. Unfortunately, while the wine market is growing, there are still a lot of scam artists out there that will sell you wines that need to be organic. The best way to avoid this is to purchase your wines from a retailer that is part of the Organic Federation of Australia (OFA) or the Soil Association in the UK.
Exploring Organic and Biodynamic Wines
While it may initially seem confusing, understanding the differences between these wines opens up an entire kingdom of wine discovery – with different production methodologies in the vineyard and cellar, unique flavor profiles and possibilities, and mission statements that speak to you. The most important takeaway is choosing what works for you and your palate.
Whether for health reasons, a passion for regenerative agriculture, or simply because you love the taste of blackberry juice, organic and biodynamic wines are an excellent choice for anyone who loves wine. So, grab a glass of wine and explore the delicious world of organics and beyond!
Our resident wine expert, Nathan Dale, recommends Pfluger Buntsandstein Riesling for a light and refreshing white or Beckmen Cuvee Le Bec for a full-bodied red.
Biodynamic winemaking involves holistic ideas about a vineyard as part of an ecosystem influenced by the lunar calendar and other forces beyond our control. This approach aims to achieve balance, which results in higher-quality fruit and better-tasting wines.
Read Also: In Relation To Green Vegetables