Buy organic white wines

Organic white wines 

For several years now, organic white wines, biodynamic, and natural wines have been gaining significant popularity. With a constantly expanding area, organic viticulture demonstrates the growing commitment of winemakers, as well as consumers, to production methods that are more respectful of both the environment and people.

Organic viticulture in France

France stands out for its significant commitment, with currently around 20% of the national vineyard cultivated according to organic principles (which represents about 150,000 hectares).

The regions most advanced in this approach include Alsace, Provence, Corsica, Languedoc-Roussillon and Loire Valley. These regions benefit from climatic conditions favorable to organic viticulture. The relatively warm climate or low ambient humidity in certain vineyards allows them to convert vines to organic with fewer risks.

How is a white wine made ?

Before delving into the nuances of production methods, it is essential to understand the process of making a white wine.

It all begins with the harvesting of grapes at their optimal ripeness. Once picked, the berries are pressed to release their juice. This juice is then placed in a vat to undergo alcoholic fermentation.

During this process, the grape skins are generally removed to avoid coloring the final juice and to preserve its "white" color. However, in some cases, the skins may remain in contact with the must for a few days to extract additional aromas.

During alcoholic fermentation, the yeasts, whether naturally present or added, will convert the sugars in the juice into alcohol : this is the birth of wine.

After this stage, the winemaker proceeds with the aging of the wines. This can be very short when the estate aims to produce a simple, mineral-driven and fruity white wine. Nevertheless, it can also last a year or more for powerful and age-worthy wines.

Several types of containers can be used by the winemaker for this stage : stainless steel tanks (the most common), oak barrels, concrete tanks, amphorae, large casks, etc., several containers are often used to produce a single wine !

Finally, when the aging process is complete, the winemaker generally lets the wine rest for a few weeks or months in stainless steel tanks so that the whole gains in harmony. Then, comes the time for bottling and selling the white wine on the market !

Organic farming and white wines

Organic farming is based on principles aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of humans while promoting biodiversity and soil health. Estates certified in organic farming therefore cultivate their vines without using synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers. They also promote alternative practices such as the use of cover crops and fertilization through composting.

During winemaking, only certified organic additives are permitted, and the amounts of added sulfites are more restricted : 150mg/L maximum for an organic white wine compared to 200mg/L for a conventional white wine.

Biodynamic agriculture and white wines

Biodynamics takes a holistic approach, incorporating practices based on natural cycles and cosmic forces.

Inspired by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, biodynamics views the vine as a living organism in its own right, interacting with its environment.

Biodynamic practices include the use of natural preparations made from plants and minerals, the observation of lunar and planetary cycles, as well as respecting cosmic rhythms in vineyard work.

Compared to organic farming, biodynamic winemaking is even less interventionist and the list of permitted products is therefore much more limited.

Finally, the maximum doses of added sulfites are also lower: a maximum of 80 to 90mg/L for biodynamic white wines depending on the certifying body (Biodyvin or Demeter) compared to up to 150mg/L of SO2 for an organic wine and 200mg/L for a conventional white wine.

Natural White Wines

The "nature" method is characterized by an even greater minimalism in terms of human intervention compared to organic and biodynamic farming. Thus, both in the vineyard and in the cellar, the goal is to produce a wine without additives and to vinify the wine in the most natural way possible.

No addition of oenological additives, spontaneous fermentation, little or no filtration, and the use of sulfites up to 30mg/L (or even no SO2 at all for some) are key markers of a white wine made using the nature method.

Are organic white wines better for your health ?

The growing demand for organic wines, biodynamic and natural wines can be explained by several factors.

First of all, consumers are increasingly concerned about their health and the environment, seeking products from sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Moreover, organic wines are often perceived as being of higher quality, as they reflect the purity of the terroir and the authentic expression of the grape variety.

In addition, the reduction of sulfites addresses the concerns of consumers suffering from allergies or intolerances to SO2, thus offering a more natural and healthier tasting experience.

In summary, the rise of organic white wines in France reflects a profound shift in the way consumers perceive and appreciate wine. By choosing these types of cuvées, they enjoy high-quality wines that embody ethical values and a history deeply rooted in French winemaking tradition.