With Earth Day this month, I’ve been thinking a lot about where my food and wine comes from and the impact its production has on the earth. “Organic Wines” have been talked about with increasing frequency. However, it is important to distinguish the difference between organically produced grapes and organic wine.
Wines Made from Organic Grapes: This means that the wine is made from organic grapes but the additive, Sulfur Dioxide, is still used during production and bottling to prevent bacterial spoilage. A regulated system of viticulture must be followed in order for a producer to be certified organic, therefore producing organic grapes. These practices shun the use of manmade compounds such as fertilizers, fungicides and pesticides, as well as anything that has been genetically modified. The benefits of organic growing are far reaching and include soil health, water quality, protection of biodiversity and the reduction of chemical residues in the foods and beverages we consume. Organic growers need to be preventative in their approach in controlling pests, weeds, fungus, and ensure the proper nutrients for the plants.
Organic Wine, on the other hand, is made from organically grown grapes and does not allow for the addition of sulfur dioxide. It is rare to find a bottle labeled as “Organic Wine” (less than 1% of wine) due to the concern for rapid spoilage.
Some suggested Wines made from earth friendly producers:
• Benzinger Family Winery Sonoma Mountain, California; Certified Biodynamic from organically grown grapes
• Domain Pierre Andre Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France; Certified Biodynamic
• Grgich Hills Estate Napa Valley, California; Certified Biodynamic from organically grown grapes
• Some others include Robert Sinskey Vineyards , Bonterra Vineyards, Frog’s Leap, Kawarau Estates and Frey Vineyards
With Earth Day this month, stop and give some thought to where your food and wine was grown, how it was grown, and the impact it has on you and the planet.
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Comments
Great summary of the differences between Made With and Organic on the label. People should be very comfortable that any wine that says "Made With Organic grapes" is held to the same high standards as "Organic", because the Bureau of Tax and Trade regulates what can and cannot be said on a wine label with regard to ingredients. May I also suggest a few other wines that can be found in Whole Foods, Erewhon, Fireside Markets, Lincoln Fine Wines, and many restaurants in LA? A few brands are Nuevo Mundo (from Chile), Can Vendrell (Spain) and Pircas Negras (fair trade, from Argentina.)
Yes, I'm partial to these because i sell them, but they are also great wines!
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