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...
Organic farming and biodynamics share several principles, including the ban on synthetic pesticides and herbicides in the vineyard. However, they do not follow exactly the same specifications or practices.
An organic wine is made from grapes grown using organic farming methods and complies with the European regulations applicable to organic viticulture and winemaking.
Biodynamics builds on this biological foundation but adds specific practices particularly regarding soil life, biodiversity, and the use of biodynamic preparations. Labels such as Demeter or Biodyvin regulate these practices according to their own specifications.
In organic farming, vines are grown without herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic chemical fertilizers. Winemaking is also regulated and limits the use of certain additives and oenological processes.
Certified organic wines can be identified by the European organic logo. This certification applies to both small family estates and larger properties, and can now be found in most French wine regions.
To specifically discover this range, check out our selection of organic wines.
Biodynamics considers the agricultural estate as an ecosystem whose balance relies in particular on soil quality, biodiversity, and the vitality of the vine. It also uses various biodynamic preparations, and some winemakers organize part of their work according to lunar or astronomical cycles.
Organic certification is a prerequisite for Demeter labeling. The Demeter specifications then more strictly regulate certain practices in the vineyard and winery, with, for example, further restrictions on winemaking techniques, additives, and maximum SO2 levels.
Discover our selection of biodynamic wines to explore the topic further and discover the featured cuvées.
A natural wine should not be confused with an organic or biodynamic wine. The natural approach generally aims to limit interventions as much as possible in the cellar and the use of additives, but it follows a different logic from organic or biodynamic certifications.
A wine can therefore be organic without being biodynamic or natural, biodynamic without being a natural wine, or combine several of these characteristics.
La Cave Éclairée gives significant importance to estates working with organic and biodynamic farming, without making certification the only criterion. Each cuvée is above all selected after tasting for its quality, balance, character, and price consistency.
Our range thus allows you to discover different terroirs, grape varieties and wine styles from committed estates in Alsace, Burgundy, Loire, Rhône, Provence, Corsica, Languedoc, Bordeaux and many other regions.
Need help choosing between an organic wine and a biodynamic cuvée? We can advise you based on your preferences, your budget, the planned meal, or the style 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...
Biodynamics continues to be a source of division. Between passionate advocates fully convinced of the validity of its principles and fierce opponents describing it as...