Boring blog ahead.
Unless, of course, you're into organic, biodynamic and sustainable wine growing practices.
Since today is "earth day", I thought we might review some of the basics.
The U.S. government regulates the use of the term "organic", and with wine, the label is used in two ways.
First, wines made from certified organically grown grapes, avoid any synthetic additives, as you probably guessed. Second, wines labeled simply organic, in addition to avoiding synthetic additives, do not add any sulfites to the wines. Sulfites are often added to arrest the wine's fermentation process.
Wines labeled biodynamic or sustainable have no government regulations, but the practices are admirable.
Biodynamic takes organic farming to another level by incorporating ideas of the vineyard as a complete ecosystem that is influenced by astrology and lunar cycles.
Sustainable farming takes into account economic viability and social responsibility, like, for example, prudent use of water during periods of drought.
What's the "so what" of all this?
Well, it's good material for an earth day blog.
I doubt that the quality of the wine is affected by these practices, however, I, for one, am in favor of not having pesticides in my wine.
People get very passionate about this stuff.
I have one customer at Balaban's who will only buy wines that use these earth friendly practices.
And then there are those who think its all a bunch of hooey.
If you are someone who cares, check out the back label of the wines you are buying. Wineries employing these practices, will typically state what they are doing on the label.
Tom
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