Taste True Terroir with Two of SA’s Leading Organic Wines
Organic and biodynamic wines are healthier for us – and the planet. Why is it that we don’t we seek out more earth-friendly wines?
In a world where eco-conscious choices have become increasingly prevalent, it is peculiar that the search for organic or biodynamic wine remains relatively overlooked. We eagerly seek out organic vegetables and responsibly sourced household and personal products, but when it comes to the wine we enjoy, sustainability often takes a backseat. However, the truth is that there is no reason why organic or biodynamic wine should not be a top priority, considering all the compelling reasons that drive our preference for other organic options.
While the concept of organic wine may seem unfamiliar or unimportant to some, it embodies a philosophy that harmonise with the principles of ecological balance, health-conscious living, and sustainability. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of organic wine, exploring the reasons why it deserves a prominent place on our tables and in our hearts.
Organic vs Biodynamic
Johan Reyneke, Owner and Viticulturalist at Reyneke Wines says while organic wines are environmentally sustainable, biodynamic wines strive to go beyond that and even become self-sufficient ecosystems. “All biodynamic wines are organic, but not all organic wines are biodynamic. Biodynamics is one of the oldest forms of organic agriculture. It comes from a time when our ancestors farmed with a spiritual understanding.”
In the organic winemaking process, no artificial fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides or fungicides are allowed in the production of the grapes, and the addition of additives in the cellar is restricted. Biodynamic farming uses no synthetic fertilisers or pesticides and works to achieve soil health using compost, animal and green manures, diverse crop rotations and the incorporation of livestock into the process.
Ladybird Vineyards’ winemaker, Francois van Zyl says that organic and biodynamic wines are healthier because there are fewer additions to the wine and the chemical footprint in the production of organic wines is smaller.
Bottled better?
Why, then – apart from availability – are organic wines not as widely consumed as their counterparts? Van Zyl says that any well-made wine with great ageing potential can be a great wine, regardless of whether it was produced organically or by conventional winemaking. “Some of the best and most highly prized wines in the world are organic or biodynamic and are produced that way. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti – the most expensive and highest prized wine in Burgundy is biodynamic and so are Chateau Palmer’s [wines].”
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So, is organic better? “An organic certification for wine only advises the consumer of the farming and winemaking practices and isn’t a definition of quality,” says van Zyl. “You can get very good organic wines and also very good conventional wines. Poor quality wines produced in both methods are also possible.”
Reyneke says that the biggest misconception consumers have around organic and biodynamic wines is that they are inferior, don’t age as well and are overpriced. “Modern agriculture is one of the five biggest contributors to global warming and biodiversity loss. Organic, biodynamic and regenerative agriculture can play a significant role in slowing things down, or even reversing the process,” he says.
Raise a glass of organic or biodynamic wine then, and help save the planet!
