Conventional, organic, biodynamic, natural wine: what are the differences?
Here is a question that comes up (very) regularly! It must be said that the proliferation of labels does not really help the consumer...
An organic wine is made from grapes grown according to organic farming standards and must also comply with specific regulations during winemaking.
In the vineyard, organic farming specifically prohibits the use of herbicides and synthetic chemical pesticides. However, winemakers may use certain approved products, such as copper or sulfur, to protect the vines against diseases like downy mildew or powdery mildew.
Since 2012, European regulations have also governed the production of organic wines. Only certain products and substances may be used, and several oenological practices are prohibited or restricted.
Certified organic wines are easily identified by the European organic logo, often called the Euroleaf. This label guarantees that production meets the organic farming specifications, from grape growing to winemaking.
Before obtaining certification, an estate must go through a conversion period during which the vineyard is already managed according to organic farming principles, but the grapes cannot yet be marketed as certified organic.
Certification therefore provides a precise framework, but it alone is not enough to guarantee the quality of a wine. At La Cave Éclairée, each cuvée is above all selected after tasting.
An organic wine may contain sulfites. Organic regulations allow their use, but within specific limits, generally lower than those applicable to comparable conventional wines.
The maximum quantities vary in particular according to the color of the wine, its sugar content, and its category. It is therefore incorrect to systematically associate organic wine with the absence of added sulfites.
However, some winemakers choose to work with very low doses, or even without adding sulfites for certain cuvées, depending on the wine style and vintage conditions.
The concepts of organic, biodynamic, and natural wine are often associated, but they do not refer to exactly the same thing.
-Organic wine complies with specific European regulations regarding agriculture and winemaking.
-Biodynamics is generally based on these organic standards and adds specific practices, particularly concerning soil life, biodiversity, and the use of biodynamic preparations.Labels such as Demeter or Biodyvin regulate these practices.
-Natural wine follows a different approach, generally based on minimal intervention in the cellar and a very limited use of additives. Therefore, an organic wine is not automatically biodynamic or natural.
Organic viticulture is now present in all the major French wine regions. Our selection allows you to discover organic red wines, fresh or more generous whites, rosés, sparkling wines, and various styles of organic champagnes.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose a structured red from Bordeaux or from the Rhône Valley, a mineral white from Loire or from Burgundy, a rosé from Provence, a Corsican wine or even a cuvée from Languedoc.
A wine can be both organically certified and from an AOC or AOP. The appellation defines the geographical origin of the wine as well as certain production rules (authorized grape varieties, yields, viticultural practices, or production conditions), while organic certification specifically concerns the method of vine cultivation and certain winemaking practices. The two certifications therefore have separate specifications and can be combined on the same bottle.
Organic farming is possible in all wine-growing regions, but climatic conditions have a strong impact on vineyard management.
In dry and sunny regions such as Languedoc, Provence, or Corsica, the pressure from certain diseases can be lower, which sometimes makes it easier to manage vineyards organically.
Conversely, in wetter regions, winemakers often need to be especially vigilant about protecting the vines. However, this does not prevent many estates in Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Alsace or the Loire from obtaining organic certification.
The price of an organic wine depends primarily on the estate, the appellation, the terroir, the vintage, the yield, and the work required in the vineyard.
Our selection covers a range of prices : from affordable organic bottles for everyday enjoyment to Premier Crus, Grand Crus, and rarer cuvées from renowned estates.
You can order a single bottle, several bottles of the same cuvée, or freely create your own selection according to your budget and preferences.
The best criterion remains above all your taste. An organic wine does not have a unique aromatic profile: it can be light or full-bodied, fruity or mineral, fresh or generous.
So start by choosing the color, region, grape variety, or appellation that appeals to you. A lover of structured reds will not necessarily look for the same bottle as someone who enjoys fresh white wine as an aperitif.
Our product sheets specify the style of the cuvées, their origin, vintage, and our tasting advice to help you make your selection.
Our online wine shop brings together a selection of organic wines from family estates, independent winemakers, and renowned properties. Each wine is chosen after tasting to prioritize quality over simply having the label.
All products marked as available are in stock and stored between 12 and 14°C, protected from light and vibrations.
Orders are carefully prepared in protective packaging before delivery in France and several European countries.
Need help before your purchase? We can advise you based on your preferences, your budget, the planned meal, or the type of wine you are looking for.
Here is a question that comes up (very) regularly! It must be said that the proliferation of labels does not really help the consumer...