Collection: Buy organic & biodynamic wines

Organic wines

Organic wines follow the specifications of organic farming. The grapes are therefore grown without using pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers . These wines are recognizable thanks to the labels "AB" (Agriculture Biologique) and Euroleaf (the European organic logo), present on their bottle.

In order to convert a plot to organic farming, a period of three years is necessary. During this period, the vines and their grapes are grown organically but cannot yet claim official certification, as it takes time for the soil and the vine to partially eliminate any possible traces of previously used chemical products.

In terms of winemaking, a large number of inputs are also prohibited and only those certified organic can be used. Furthermore, the maximum doses of added sulfites (the famous SO2) are also limited: 100mg/L for red wines and 150mg/L for white wines, which is respectively -33% and -25% compared to conventional wines.

Vineyards in certain regions benefiting from a dry and/or sunny climate, and thus limiting the appearance of certain vine diseases, are more easily cultivable using the organic method. For example, we think of Alsace, Provence , Corsica or even Languedoc-Roussillon.

To date, about 20% of the French vineyard is managed using organic farming.

Biodynamic wines

Theorized in 1920 by Rudolph Steiner, biodynamic agriculture incorporates the basic principles of organic farming (such as the prohibition of synthetic pesticides or herbicides) but is even more restrictive. It is now certified by two labels : Demeter and Biodyvin.

In biodynamics, the goal is to be as non-interventionist as possible and to use only natural products in the vineyard and the winery. In comparison, the biodynamic specifications prohibit the use of many additives that are allowed in organic farming.

Furthermore, biodynamics also adopts a holistic approach based on lunar rhythms as well as astral positions .Thus, many homeopathic treatments based on plants (nettle, chamomile, dandelion, etc.) are used to invigorate and enrich the soil and are scheduled on very specific days, according to the position of the planets.

Finally, the use of sulfites is even more restrictive . Thus, the maximum allowed doses are 70mg/L for red wine and 100mg/L for white wine, which is respectively -30% and -40% compared to the organic specifications.

To date, only 1% of the French vineyard is managed biodynamically.

Natural wines

Finally, natural wines are produced by applying the same basic principles as organic and biodynamic (prohibition of chemicals) but by further limiting human interventions and the products that can be used in the vineyard and the winery. 

Thus, no additives are allowed in winemaking, with the wine intended to be as authentic and natural as possible, reflecting its terroir and the natural characteristics of the grapes used. Only ultra-minimal doses of SO2 (30mg/L maximum for red wines and 40mg/L for white wines) are allowed.

Furthermore, there is also within natural wines the category of S.A.I.N. wines (Without Any Additives or Sulfites), following the principles of natural philosophy but completely prohibiting the addition of sulfites.

You will have understood, therefore, that organic, biodynamic agriculture and the "nature method" are production methods aimed at protecting the environment while striving to produce the best possible wine. While none of these certifications are perfect and many debates exist around them, it is nevertheless widely accepted that these agricultural practices are preferable for humans and the earth compared to conventional farming methods. 

Furthermore, the levels of added sulfites in organic, biodynamic, and natural wines are also lower, allowing many people who are sensitive or even intolerant to SO2 to enjoy quality wines without cramps or headaches !

There you have it, you now know the essentials about all these certifications, and all that's left is to make your choice from this beautiful selection ! And if you need advice, do not hesitate to reach out to La Cave Éclairée !