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In recent years, organic farming has taken a very important place in France, especially in the wine sector.Thus, more than 20% of French vineyards are now organically managed, and this method of production is experiencing significant growth each year. Today, you can find red, white, and rosé wines from the organic sector in all wine regions of France, from Bordeaux to Loire Valley, including Languedoc-Roussillon and Champagne.
But what exactly is an organic wine, and what criteria must be met to qualify for this certification? Here is a summary of the key points to remember.
Firstly, an organic wine must comply with a very strict set of specifications. Before 2012, organic certification and its "AB" label only applied to the grapes and the vineyard.Since then, European legislation (Euroleaf logo) has also included winemaking in order to cover the entire wine production process.
Thus, for a wine to be organic, its grapes must be grown without any chemical substances (pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers). However, natural inputs such as copper or sulfur may be used to combat certain diseases, particularly those caused by humidity (powdery mildew and downy mildew).
Furthermore, all chemical additives are prohibited during winemaking and only those certified as organic are permitted. The amount of added sulfites is also limited: 150 mg/L for whites and 100 mg/L for reds. Some winemakers, particularly those committed to biodynamics under the Demeter label, further reduce these doses in order to offer so-called "natural" bottles, free from added sulfites.
Finally, it should be noted that in order to be officially certified organic, a vineyard must undergo a three-year transition period (three vintages) during which it is managed according to the specifications of organic farming. The aim is for the soil and the vines to eliminate certain chemical additives that may have been used previously.
Choosing an organic wine means choosing a wine that respects the environment and your health. By limiting additives and chemical substances, these cuvées often offer a purer expression of the terroir.
Organic, biodynamic, and natural wines share an environmentally friendly approach, but have some essential differences. Here is a brief summary of the key points to remember.
➡ Organic wines: Made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers, with winemaking regulated by the AB (Agriculture Biologique) label.
➡ Biodynamic wines: Based on the principles of biodynamics, they go further by taking lunar cycles into account and using natural preparations to energize the vine. Certifications here are Demeter or Biodyvin.
➡ Natural wines: These are based on organic or biodynamic agriculture, but their particularity lies in the total absence of additives in the cellar (except for little or no added sulfites) as well as winemaking without chemical interventions.
A wine cellar, a château, or an estate committed to one of these approaches primarily seeks to produce quality wines, while respecting nature and traditional expertise. France is also a leader in organic viticulture, with regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne or Loire Valley increasingly home to certified winemakers.
Whether you are a fan of red, white, or rosé wine, you will find here organic bottles to suit your preferences. The most prestigious AOC and AOP now offer certified organic vintages: from powerful reds from Bordeaux to fresh and aromatic whites from the Loire Valley, including rosés from Provence and organic sparkling wines from Champagne.
Our organic wines also cover all price ranges, from affordable (yet well-made) everyday bottles to Grands Crus from Bordeaux or Burgundy. Within our selection, you will also find some natural wines and certain cuvées without added sulfites, always chosen with great care.
At La Cave Éclairée, we appreciate clean and pure wines, and are therefore very attentive to any kind of deviation : aromas of hay and stable are not for us !
Although organic production is possible in all wine regions of France, certain areas are better suited to organic farming, notably due to their climate. Indeed, vineyards located in sunny and dry regions, such as Languedoc-Roussillon or Corsica, are particularly favorable for vine cultivation without chemical inputs. These terroirs make it possible to produce excellent red, white, and rosé wines with minimal treatments, thus preserving the purity of the grape and the expression of the terroir.
In the Languedoc-Roussillon region, for example, there is a great diversity of organic wines, ranging from powerful reds to aromatic whites, as well as fresh and elegant rosés. Many committed estates produce organic cuvées from typical grape varieties such as Muscat, Grenache Noir, and Syrah. These cuvées, sometimes aged without added sulfites, offer wonderful complexity and allow for wine production while preserving the surrounding environment.
Conversely, in more humid regions such as Champagne, Burgundy, or even certain areas of Bordeaux, organic cultivation is more complex. The humidity indeed encourages the development of diseases such as downy mildew and powdery mildew, requiring winemakers to use treatments, even in organic farming (copper and sulfites). Nevertheless, many renowned châteaux and estates are firmly rooted in the production of organic wines.
Thus, depending on the region and climatic conditions, the commitment to organic wine requires true adaptation.
In France, organic farming and AOC/AOP share the same ambition: to preserve the quality and authenticity of wines from our terroirs.
Thus, as you may have understood, organic farming prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, thereby promoting living soils and rich biodiversity. On its side, a Controlled Designation of Origin (AOC) – or its European equivalent, the Protected Designation of Origin (AOP) – guarantees the geographical origin of a wine and compliance with a strict set of specifications related to grape varieties, cultivation methods, and winemaking processes.
Furthermore, while an organic wine can often come from an AOC/AOP, the reverse is not always true: an appellation does not necessarily mean organic cultivation.
Several AOCs in France are particularly advanced on these environmental issues. In this respect, the Corbières AOC in Languedoc, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOP in the Rhône Valley, as well as the Alsace AOC are excellent examples, with many estates cultivating their vines organically.
Finally, certain appellations, such as the AOC Patrimonio in Corsica, even include agri-environmental provisions aimed at encouraging more environmentally friendly practices ! Perhaps in the future, some appellations will include in their specifications a requirement to be at least organic ?
Choosing an organic wine can seem a bit confusing for beginners. However, with a few tips, you will quickly find the bottle that suits you.
First of all, it is necessary to define your taste preferences. Organic wines are indeed available in a wide variety, whether robust reds or fruity whites. Think about what you prefer to drink: a full-bodied red wine or a lighter white wine? A mineral white wine or sparkling bubbles for the aperitif?
If you are looking for a specific origin, opt for an organic wine from the region or the AOP of your choice. This ensures that your bottle of wine is produced in a specific geographical area that adheres to strict standards, both in viticulture and winemaking.
Finally, the best advice is to taste! Don’t be afraid to explore new flavors. A quality organic wine often stands out for its purity and authentic aromas. Take the time to discover different types of organic wines to find the one that appeals to you the most.
Would you like to explore the world of organic wine in greater depth? La Cave Éclairée offers you a home tasting workshop, to introduce you to different types of organic or natural wines. This workshop will, for example, help you better understand the characteristics of these wines, the grape varieties used, and the best ways to enjoy them.
Now all you have to do is choose from our wide selection of organic wines! Don’t forget that we offer free in-store pickup at our warehouse, as well as delivery to pick-up points or directly to your home to make things easier for you !
So, are you ready to treat yourself ? If you need any advice, don’t hesitate to contact us directly La Cave Éclairée !
Here is a question that comes up (very) regularly! It must be said that the proliferation of labels does not really help the consumer to find their way... AB, HVE,...
Here is a question that comes up (very) regularly! It must be said that the proliferation of labels does not really help the consumer to find their way... AB, HVE,...
