The world of wine can sometimes be a bit intimidating. Especially when you start looking into organic, biodynamic and natural wines. And sometimes even more confusing: what is the difference? So we thought we would help you out by giving a simple overview of them all. Next up: Biodynamic wine.
What is biodynamic wine?
So what is biodynamic wine and why is it different from natural wine? Well, it starts with the principles of organic agriculture, and then takes it a step further. With biodynamic agriculture it’s about taking the whole holistic surrounding into consideration. The principles for biodynamic agriculture were first drawn up by Rudolf Steiner. The short and simple version is pretty much that Rudolf Steiner believed that we are just a small freckle, part of a much bigger kosmos. Where everything that surrounds us influences us, and we influence it. So we have to care for everything around us and make sure we move in the same rhythm.
Biodynamics in agriculture
When it comes to agriculture, and thus biodynamic wine, there are certain preparations you can take. Most famously: taking cow and horse manure, fermenting it in a cow’s horn underground for a full moon cycle, digging it up and preparing a kind of tea from it that can be sprayed around the vineyards. This tea, or biodynamic preparation, harnesses all of the kosmos’ energy in it. There is a level of belief in how much these principles really affect the wine. If you are a die-hard scientist, you might say it’s bogus. If you believe in the holistic universe, it’s the way to go.
So does it work?
For us at Far Out Drinks Co. it’s about something more important. Whether or not it really works the way Rudolf Steiner said it does, doesn’t really matter. It’s about the philosophy of caring for the environment. The places you are a part of. Nurturing them, treating them with respect and love. And doing that, that works. Biodynamic vineyards flourish with life, biodiversity and growth. And that’s lovely.
Is biodynamic wine the same as natural wine?
Well, no. And yes. Natural wine is always made from bio organic and biodynamic grapes. And whether it’s officially certified, or not, that doesn’t really matter. But when you produce wine from bio organic or biodynamic grapes it’s not necessarily natural wine. That’s because one has to do with what goes on in the vineyards and the other with what goes on in the cellar. And making natural wine? That’s something that starts in the cellar. Usually they go hand in hand, so you can assume that natural wine is usually biodynamically grown. Biodynamic wine however doesn’t have to be processed in a way that makes it natural.
