The world of wine can sometimes be a bit intimidating. Especially when you start looking into bio 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. First up: organic wine.
What is organic wine?
So what is organic wine and why is it different from natural wine? To get a bio or organic certification it’s mostly about what’s not being done. In the vineyards, no chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or chemical fertilizers are allowed. Many of these ‘icides’ are commonly used in high intensity agriculture and have a devastating effect on life in the soil, nature surrounding the fields and even our bodies. So not using these kinds of ‘icides’ is a great first step in doing better. But, it’s not perfect. In the case of organic certification, many other materials that can be considered poisonous are still allowed to be sprayed on the vines. Most commonly used: copper. It is sprayed around in the vineyards to fight to growth of mildew. A type of fungus. It collects and builds up in the soil, poisoning it and killing beneficial micro organisms that keep the soil healthy. And yet, since it’s found in the ground naturally, within the organic certification it is allowed and considered an organic material.
Is organic wine the same as natural wine?
Well, no. And yes. But not really. 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.
You can make wine from organically certified grapes, even though it’s still full of additives that we consider to be organic. Is it better than conventional wine? yes. Is it perfect? No. But at least when you are drinking bio organic wine you can be sure that it’s not full of harmful pesticides, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. Unfortunately, time after time the concentrations of that stuff found in conventional wines is high, and harmful to not only the environment it’s grown in. But also to you. So if you want to take a step in the right direction, but are on the fence about natural wines. It’s least pick something that is bio organic!
*Organic certification and what is allowed varies greatly in every continent. If you want to make sure of what you’re drinking google the local legislation.
