Collection: Buy organic white wines

Organic white wines

For several years, organic white wines, biodynamic and natural wines have been gaining significantly in popularity. With a constantly expanding area, organic viticulture indeed reflects the increased commitment of winemakers, as well as consumers, towards more environmentally and human-friendly production methods.

Organic viticulture in France

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

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

How is white wine made ?

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

It all begins with the harvest of grapes at their optimal ripeness. Once harvested, the berries are then 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 maintain 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, naturally present or added, will then convert the sugars present in the juice into alcohol : this is the birth of wine.

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

Several containers can be used by the winemaker for this step : stainless steel tank (the most common), oak barrels, concrete tank, amphora, tuns etc., several containers are often used to produce a single wine !

Finally, when the aging process is complete, the winemaker generally allows the wine to rest for a few weeks or months in stainless steel tanks so that it gains harmony. Then, finally comes the moment of 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. Certified organic farms therefore cultivate their vines without using synthetic chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. They also promote alternative practices such as the use of cover crops and fertilization through composting.

In winemaking, only certified organic inputs are allowed, and the added sulfite doses are more limited : 150mg/L maximum for an organic white wine compared to 200mg/L for a conventional white wine.

Biodynamic agriculture and white wines

Biodynamics adopts a holistic approach, integrating practices based on natural cycles and cosmic forces.

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

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

Compared to organic farming, biodynamic winemaking is even less interventionist and the list of authorized 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  according to 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 even greater minimalism in terms of human interventions 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 without any SO2 for some) are examples of key markers of a white wine made using the nature method.

Are organic white wines better for 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 respectful 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.

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

In summary, the rise of organic white wines in France reflects a profound change in the way consumers perceive and appreciate wine. By turning to this type of vintage, they benefit from high-quality wines that carry ethical values and a history rooted in the French winemaking tradition.