What is Organic wine?
Organic products are made by strictly limiting the use of pesticides, herbicides and other additives. The principle is that the less the product is tampered with by artificial means, the greater the quality and health benefits. Organic wine makers limit the contact that their grapes have with synthetic fungicides and fertilisers.
Why go organic?
There are several important concepts that organic viticulture is based on. The first is concern for the integrity of the soil and to maintain its nutritional value to the vine, without adding chemical components that the vine can become dependant on. Many producers choose to grow crops in between the vines which replenish the nutrients the vines remove. This concept lends credence to the idea of terroir by allowing the soil to maintain its natural balance without the foreign influence of additives. The benefits of organic practices on peoples health is also an important factor. With a growing awareness of what food consists of, what we are eating and how much, wine-makers are coming under similar scrutiny.
How far do producers go?
Some wine producers have adopted a wholly organic philosophy in the production of their wines, using only natural treatments in the vineyard in accordance with recognised organic practices. Others respect and follow these principles as far as conditions allow, keeping chemical influence to a minimum unless urgently required. Sulphites are still used, but organic producers use the minimum quantity necessary for the wine to be stabilised.
What other practices are there?
Organic
A wine certified or documented as produced according to organic standards. This may not be stated on the label.
Principlly Organic
A wine from a producer known to follow organic principles. These wines may not necessarily be 100% organic.
Bio-Dynamic
A wine produced according to bio-dynamic principles, employing organic methods together with homeopathic soil treatments.
Lutte Raisonnée
Wine producers who use chemical treatments but endeavour to do in a more considered manner: less often and less aggressively. Chemicals are used only when necessary as opposed to routinely.
