Organic Wine

It is becoming increasingly common in the wine industry to see producers creating organic wines. The definition and legal enforcement of this term varies significantly from one country to another, and the laws about use of the term are evolving.

A key point is the difference between 'organically grown grapes' and 'organic wine'. The use of these two terms on a bottle normally requires certification from a governing body.

For grapes to be considered organically grown they must be grown in accordance with the organic regulations of that country. This usually involves production without any form of synthetically compounded fertilizer, pesticide, or growth regulator. Only plant, animal, or mineral-based substances can be used, and these must be approved by the regulating body. However, this does not mean that organic methods must be implemented during the wine making process.

Outside of Europe, for a wine to be considered organic it must be organically grown and processed. This means that grapes must be sourced from organically certified vineyards, and wine making methods must follow the organic wine regulations for that country. The normally requires that wine makers may not use sulfur dioxide (SO2) or any synthetic compound, for any stage of the production of that wine from picking, through fermentation, clarification, aging and bottling. SO2 can not be used to disinfect wooden casks either.

This makes the existence of truly organic wines quite rare, as SO2 is used as a preservative for wine and, while some producers are using organically grown grapes, they still use sulphites in small amounts. However, the classification in Europe is slightly looser and does allow a certain amount of sulphites to be used while still using the term 'organic' on the label.

Almost everyone in the wine industry has an opinion on organic wine and organically grown grapes - whether it is good or bad. The truth is that organic wine is definitely more sensitive than most other wines and for any kind of longevity to be achieved, it needs to be cellared very carefully. On the other hand there are many people who have found numerous benefits in wines that contain reduced or no sulphites. Some have even attributed sulphites to causing headaches and runny eyes and have not experienced this when drinking organic wines. Indeed, organic wine shows are being set up around the world.

Organic Wine Recommendations

Whether you are an avid fan, or just a bit curious about organic wines, here are a few of the many organic wines we recommend:

Château Couronneau 2005

Organic wines from Bordeaux are rather thin on the ground and the quality of Château Couronneau 2005 makes me wonder why. It's proper, grown-up claret (from a top vintage) with lashings of juicy black fruit held in place by a judicious period in some nice toasty oak. - Telegraph.co.uk
Locate a supplier: Chateau Couronneau.

Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2006

This Sauvignon Blanc displays passionfruit and herbaceous characters on the nose with a flinty mineral complexity. The mouth feel is very finely textured with tropical fruit, ripe gooseberry, and citrus with a slight creaminess and persistent acidity to draw out the palate – Winemaker's notes.
Locate a supplier: Seresin Estate Sauvignon Blanc.

Guy Chaumont Bourgogne Chardonnay (AOC Bourgogne) 2004

This wine is a classic white burgundy with rich, buttery apple and melon fruit and a long smooth finish. Aged in old and new oak-The Organic Wine Company.
Locate a supplier: Guy Chaumont Bourgogne Chardonnay.

Chateau de Brau Cabard Cuvee Exquise, Languedoc Roussillon 2003

An enticing blend of Merlot, Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon are blended and aged in new oak casks which give the wine a lovely vanilla quality - Vintage Roots.
Locate a supplier: Chateau de Brau Cabard Cuvee Exquise.

Chateau Vieux Georget, Bordeaux AC 2005

Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon//Muscadelle blend. Nice yeasty aroma and delightful citrus flavor give this wine an intriguing character. Light and crisp in style, it is a superb all-rounder from Jean da Fré's small château south of Bordeaux. Suitable for Vegans - Vinceremos Wines.
Locate a supplier: Chateau Vieux Georget.

Organic Vintners Pinot Noir 2006

Made from grapes grown on 40 year old vines, this Pinot Noir displays a smooth and velvety mouth-feel. On the nose and palate, ripe raspberry and strawberry prevail with notes of currant, plum and a hint of spice (clove) on the finish. The wine has a refreshing and bright acidity level. The purity of the fruit in this wine makes for an elegant wine suitable for everyday consumption. Suitable for Vegans - Winemaker's notes.
Locate a supplier: Organic Vintners Pinot Noir.

Alternatively try a general search for the word "Organic" in USA or Europe.