Biodynamic wines
Although only representing to date1% of French vineyards,
biodynamics has grown enormously in popularity over the past few years.
But then what is abiodynamic wine? What are
the differences with aorganic wine? What are the criteria for
get this certificate?
Here is a summary of the important things to remember.
Biodynamics: definition and practices
Created in 1920 by the philosopher and anthroposophist Rudolf Steiner,
biodynamics isa mode of agricultural production whose aim is to produce
as naturally as possible and with the minimum of interventionism
human. The two labels certifying it areDemeter and Biodyvin.
Biodynamics takes over the specifications of agriculture
organic but goes even furtherthan the latter. In fact, the only treatments authorized for
the vine are homeopathically and only made for the purpose of
stimulate the surrounding biodiversity. preparations based on
plants (sage, verbena, chamomile etc.) or minerals are for example
used in this sense.
On the vinification side, the list of possible inputs is very
short and the authorized products are of course all natural.Addition
sulphites (S02) is also more restrictivewith a maximum of70mg/L
for a red wine and 100mg/L for a white wine, i.e. respectively -30%
and -40% compared to organic specifications.
Whether it is possible to practice biodynamic viticulture
everywhere in France,some climates lend themselves to it more easily than others.
Thus, in the same way as for organic, sunny and/or dry regions allow
to implement this agricultural method more easily. Therefore, theLanguedoc-Roussillon,
thereProvence, thereCorsicaorAlsaceare favored, for example.
Nevertheless, there are of course many areas ofLoire,Burgundyor
of theRhone Valleywhich also follow biodynamic precepts.
The most differentiating point between organic farming and agriculture
biodynamic is certainly the esoteric side of the latter. Indeed,
unlike organic, biodynamics, for example, takes into accountTHE
lunar movements as well as astral rhythmsin order to determine at what
date are carried out the vitivinicultural operations (vineyard treatments,
bottled etc).
Conclusion
As you will have understood, biodynamics is a method of
production based on the same precepts as organic farming but
pushing the requirement even further, by limiting treatments and inputs to
bare minimum. Moreover, unlike organic farming,
biodynamics also takes into account the movement of the planets in all planning
tasks of a wine estate.
Now that you know almost everything about this mode of
production,all you have to do is make your choice within this
nice selection!And if you need advice, don't hesitate to
contact directlyThe Illuminated Cellar!