Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines for Winter

ORGANIC ∙ BIODYNAMIC∙ SUSTAINABLE 

When exploring sustainability in wines, there are three categories to take into consideration: organic, biodynamic, and sustainable. Although all very similar, these wine classifications are differentiated by nuances in their principal. 

Organic wine is focused on growing the grapes 100% organically from vine to bottle using absolutely no preservatives and unnatural ingredients. This makes for a shorter shelf life of the wine due to the lack of added sulfites, but creates a more holistic taste. 

Biodynamic wine is similar to organic wine production, but it takes the organic ingredients used a step further with an agricultural focus that is almost spiritual, although it may sound slightly scientific. Biodynamic wine is created with the philosophy that the farm or vineyard is one whole organism, and everything from the soil quality to the planting timed with the lunar cycles, is taken into account when growing the wine.  

Sustainable wine is based on the reduced amount of waste used in the process of creation. The process is based on carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency, and recycled packaging. The price point is kept down with the processes used for creation as the goal is minimal environmental impact. Sustainable wines differ from organic and biodynamic wines, as there are a few additives usually, to ensure a longer shelf life and then the flavor that comes with the allowed aging. 

When shopping for wines, take notice of which label is on the bottle, for a more accurate understanding of how environmentally impactful your choice will be. It is also important to note that to be certifiably sustainable, wines must be registered and certified by a third party organization as there are no governmental regulations on how to certify wine. Due to the recent issue with businesses “green-washing," it is important to understand exactly how authentic  sustainable methods are. 

LUXIDERS WINTER WINE SELECTION

Gewürztraminer

Yealands Wines  

Marlborough, New Zealand  

Notes for the Palate: 

This wine is delicate and fresh, with just enough flavor to distinguish its unique taste. Filled with lychee and rose water aroma, the wine has a muted ginger tinge to every sip. 

Dietary Info: Vegetarian, vegans, and gluten free

Type: Sustainable 

Circle of Life, Red

Waterkloof  

Waterkloof, South Africa 

Note for Palate:

A melded blend of fresh fruits of petit Verdot and lush Merlot. Light acidity with a herb blend and tangy finish. 

Dietary Info: Vegetarian, vegans

Type: Biodynamic 

Patchwork Shiraz 

Yalumba 

Barossa, Australia  

Note for Palate: Made with the dark-skinned syrah grape known as “shiraz” from Australia, this wine is true to its territory and rare to find. A firm tannin, and a rich and intense red smoke flavor. 

Dietary Info: Vegetarian, vegans

Type: Biodynamic, Organic 

Monterey Chardonnay 

Hahn Winery

Monterey CA, USA  

Note for Palate:

Fresh fruit filled tastes of banana, lemongrass, and citrus with hints of vanilla and toasted oak pair with acidity and spice leave a fresh and cleansed palate. 

Dietary Info: Vegetarian, vegans

Type: Biodynamic, Organic 

JCB No. 69 Rosé Burgundy

Boisset's

Crémant de Bourgogne, France 

Note for Palate:

A smokey red with a fruity aroma that rises with the little bubbles that emerge in the pink liquid. Citrus flavors of strawberry, raspberry and mineral tinges are absorbed. 

Dietary Info: Vegetarian, vegans

Type: Biodynamic, Organic 

There comes a metaphorical season within one's life, in which sitting back and allowing things to be as they are vs how they should be, is the best course of action. Perhaps this winter, do so with a glass or mug of organic, sustainable, and biodynamic wine.