Conventional, organic, biodynamic, natural wine: what are the differences ?

This is a question that comes up (very) regularly! It must be said that the multiplication of labels frankly does not help the consumer to find his way... AB , HVE , Terra Vitis , Biodyvin , Demeter ....follow the guide in order to better understand the differences between all these cultivation methods as well as their labels.

Conventional wines

The so-called "agriculture"  conventional  » is today the most widespread in France and represents nearly 85% of the vineyard .  This allows winegrowers to use many chemical products  in the vineyard (synthetic pesticides, non-organic fertilizers, etc.) and during winemaking (non-organic yeasts, different types of acids, oenological tannins, etc.). A great many inputs can thus be used to correct possible defects in a wine. In addition, the maximum authorized doses of dioxide  sulfur (the famous sulfites), used to better preserve wines,  are higher compared to organic or biodynamic farming.

It is however important to do not generalize . If certain industrial groups or winegrowers can  looking  use these  products  by habit or by  desire to produce more, this does not mean that all areas of conventional agriculture are in this case, far from it.

In fact, most wine estates  using  This method of cultivation is defined as practicing a "  sustainable agriculture  » Without going into too much detail, this expresses the winemaker's desire to limit the number of inputs and to find a balance between respect for nature and production.

The main labels corresponding to this type of agriculture are "  Terra Vitis  »  And  "  HVE  » (High Environmental Value). While some consider the latter as a form of "  greenwashing  ", we can also see them as a first step towards organic.

Organic wines

Organic farming currently represents approximately 14% of French vineyards and has been experiencing growth of over 20% for several years now. This notably imposes stricter rules of conduct for the vines but  also at the  winemaking (which was not the case before 2012).

In fact, unlike conventional agriculture,  Synthetic pesticides are strictly prohibited here  and the maximum authorized doses of sulfites are also limited in comparison with so-called "classic" agriculture (-25% for whites and -33% for reds). In addition, the number of inputs that can be used during winemaking is also reduced and these must obviously have organic certification.

Be careful though: organic farming is not not a zero pesticide method. Indeed, it is important to distinguish between synthetic pesticides (derived from chemistry) and natural pesticides (of plant, animal or mineral origin). In organic farming, only the latter are authorized.Some of the treatments used are also controversial, including the use of Bordeaux mixture and therefore copper, a fungicide that does not degrade in the environment. Finally, organic certification does not take into account the carbon footprint of the  areas, a point on which some winegrowers in sustainable agriculture are sometimes more advanced.

However, it is very  widely accepted that Running an organic vineyard is much more respectful of the environment  than following the conventional path . This in fact allows for better preservation of life.  soils, to reduce pollution of groundwater or to preserve human health thanks to a  healthier consumption (not to mention the benefits for vineyard workers or local residents).

Biodynamic wines

There biodynamics represents only a very small part of the reality of French viticulture  : only 1% of the surfaces !  The 2 labels certifying it are "  Demeter  » And "  Biodyvin  » .  Demeter is often the most visible label while Biodyvin aims to be more elitist by selecting its members through tastings to also validate the quality of the vintages offered.

The origins of the biodynamic method date back to the 1920s when it was theorized by Rudolph Steiner The general idea being for the winemaker to be as little interventionist as possible and to make his vineyard a living space in total symbiosis with its environment. Vine treatments are therefore done with homeopathic doses of natural products and follow the lunar calendar. In this logic, all chemical inputs are therefore banned in viticulture as in winemaking Only sulfur dioxide can be used, but in even more restricted doses than in organic farming.

Biodynamics can however sometimes be criticized because its origins were initially not based on any scientific foundation . In fact, Rudolph Steiner was not  neither farmer nor winegrower, and his method is filled with esoteric, philosophical, even magical considerations  ! This is why many winegrowers following biodynamic precepts focus above all on following the most concrete and realistic points developed  by this one. 

At any rate,  and after a few modest years of professional tasting,  I generally note that  when the terroir and the plant material are of quality and when the winemaker is competent , biodynamics generally allows a much more precise expression of the wines and gives them a real identity . I can nevertheless completely understand that certain vintages  may  surprise uninitiated palates!

Natural wines

Finally, when  to natural wine, this one  goes even further than organic or biodynamic in banning all inputs altogether in the vineyard as in the cellar. Only sulfur dioxide (SO2) is authorized in minimal quantities but even lower than those authorized in biodynamics.

Within this category of natural wines, we find  to finish the HEALTHY wines (Without Any Input or Sulfite), the latter  resuming  the precepts  of  there  natural philosophy but totally prohibiting the use of sulfites to make wine a product with almost no human or chemical artifice.

Conclusion 

As you will have understood, nuance is indeed required in wine and Reality is sometimes more complex than a simple label. . Nevertheless, the strong development of organic farming and, to a lesser extent, biodynamics is, in my opinion, moving in the right direction in order to rediscover healthy viticulture, expressing a terroir and an identity while respecting nature and people (winegrowers and consumers).

So do not hesitate to call on The Illuminated Cellar to guide you in your choices: a fine selection of  organic and biodynamic wines quality is indeed there at your favorite online wine merchant!