Organic and biodynamic wines

Organic wines, biodynamic wines, natural wines, what are the differences?

Organic, biodynamic, and natural wines are all expressions of an agriculture that aims to preserve the environment and produce quality wines. However, although these methods share similarities in their approach, they are distinguished by different founding principles as well as specific practices unique to each. Here is a brief overview of the key information to remember.

Organic wines

Organic wines comply with the specifications of organic farming. The grapes are therefore grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers. These wines are recognizable by the “AB” (Organic Farming) and Euroleaf (the European organic logo) labels, which appear on their bottles.

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

In terms of winemaking, a large number of additives are also prohibited, and only those certified organic may be used. Furthermore, the maximum doses of added sulfites (the well-known 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 that benefit from a dry and/or sunny climate, thus limiting the appearance of certain vine diseases, are more easily cultivated using organic methods. For example, we can think of Alsace, Provence, Corsica or even Languedoc-Roussillon.

To date, around 20% of French vineyards are managed using organic farming.

Biodynamic Wines

Theorized in 1920 by Rudolph Steiner, biodynamic agriculture builds upon the basic principles of organic farming (such as the prohibition of synthetic pesticides or herbicides) but is even more restrictive. Today, it is 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 both in the vineyard and in the cellar. In comparison, the biodynamic specifications prohibit the use of many additives that are nevertheless permitted in organic farming.

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

Finally, the use of sulfites is even more restricted. The maximum authorized doses are 70mg/L for red wine and 100mg/L for white wine, which is respectively -30% and -40% compared to the requirements for organic certification.

To date, only 1% of French vineyards are managed biodynamically.

Natural wines

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

Thus, no additives are allowed during 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 (a maximum of 30mg/L for red wines and 40mg/L for white wines) are permitted.

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

As you will have understood, organic farming, biodynamics, and the “natural 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 people and the planet 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, don’t hesitate to reach out to La Cave Éclairée !