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Protective gear needed when spraying chemicals

Rot on Chardonnay grapes

See our selection of organic wines

organic wines

When we talk about organic wine what we generally mean is wine made from organically grown grapes - from vineyards that have not been treated with man-made chemical fertilisers, weedicides and pesticides which can enter the vine's sap and the grape pulp. Instead, organic growers use compost, cover crops and natural predators in a 'prevention is better than cure' approach.

However, in humid or damp conditions, this can mean an increased risk of rot-affected grapes which, if not discarded, will result in off-flavours in the wine. This is why one has to be even more selective as good quality is harder to find.

Wines certified as organically-grown have undergone a three year conversion period. There are many different certifying bodies in each country and their criteria vary slightly.

Some growers farm organically but do not wish to pay for certification or have a logo on their wines which they see as potentially restricting their market.

Other growers, especially those in marginal climates, adopt a more judicious approach, minimising chemical inputs and only spraying when absolutely necessary. This is termed sustainable viticulture, although you will also hear the terms IPM = Integrated Pest Management, ICM = Integrated Crop Management and in France 'lutte raisonnée' or 'lutte integrée'.

The wines that we list include certified sustainable, non-certified and certified organic plus those who are certified biodynamic or use certain elements of biodynamic practice. They are clearly identified so that you can make informed choices according to your individual preferences.

Useful Links:

	Ecocert - a certification body based in France
	Agence Bio in France
	Qualité France
	Nature et Progrès
	Ulase
	Paper submitted to the Cape Wine Academy: For an in-depth comparison of biodynamic, organic and sustainable wine production in South Africa

(Ethical Fine Wines cannot be responsible for the content of external sites)

Books:

(Ethical Fine Wines cannot be responsible for the content of external sites)

wines of the month

Limney Estate Sparkling, Sussex, England - organic wine 2005/2006 An excellent English sparkling wine, showing just how close we can get to Champagne! £17.00 Certified Organic grapes Locally produced (ie. from UK)

Yalumba Organic Viognier, South Australia - organic wine Wonderfully aromatic white from Australia's oldest family-owned vineyard £8.99 Certified Organic grapes