Biodynamics and Organic Wines for Earth Day

Spring is finally upon us in Scarsdale, and we're starting to see green emerging... This change in season coupled with next week's Earth Day has us thinking of biodynamics, sustainability and organics here at Zachys. These are wine industry trends we've seen skyrocketing over the past decade, with more and more of our favorite producers adopting these practices in the vineyards and winemaking process. With that being said, we know they're mystifying classifications and it can be difficult to understand what these terms actually say about the wine in your glass! Zachys is here to guide you through the world of biodynamics and organics, and to invite you to come see the proof in the pudding of how these philosophies and techniques are taking the wine world by storm.

Biodynamic winemaking is a few steps beyond organic winemaking and is not merely an approach to agriculture, but rather a philosophy and world-view in action. A biodynamic producer treats the vineyard as a living system that is self-sustaining but acts harmoniously with the rest of the natural world. Biodynamic wines are produced using organically grown grapes – no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, or synthetic chemicals of any kind are allowed. Harvest is done by hand, the vineyards are plowed by hand or by horses, and only natural indigenous yeasts are used. A biodynamic grower also takes into account lunar and cosmic rhythms and other natural cycles of the Earth, using a series of techniques to enhance the life of the soil.

The guiding idea behind biodynamic winemaking is ecological self-sufficiency. Some of this might seem unusual, but once the result is seen in healthy vineyards, it's hard to argue against such a system. This practice becomes harder in cooler climates, such as Burgundy, where variables are more extreme and create more challenges for winemakers.

A farm or vineyard is considered biodynamic if it has achieved certification through Demeter, an internationally recognized certifying body, for a minimum of three years if farmed conventionally or one year if farmed organically. The entire farm or vineyard area must be certified, not just a portion, and it must be inspected annually to maintain biodynamic certification.

Wine can be labelled as made from biodynamically grown grapes, if the vineyard is certified biodynamic OR the wine can be labelled as a biodynamic wine, if the Demeter Wine Processing Standard is also met. In this case, biodynamic practices extend to the winemaking – avoiding common manipulations such as yeast additions or acidity adjustments.

We're opening up a few of our favorite examples of biodynamic and organic wines this weekend (Saturday April 18th and Sunday April 19th) for a complimentary tasting of Zachys picks in organic and biodynamic wines. And if you still have questions, just ask our knowledgeable staff!

Zachys Picks - Organic Wines

Bonterra Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2012 (91WE) Sale $12.99
Bonterra's grapes are 100% certified organic, and have been since 1993, and they practice biodynamics to complement the organic farming they credit with adding much of the character to their wines. They utilize cover crops, and then compost the crops to use as fertilizer in the vineyards; and sheep and chickens assist with maintaining the health of the vineyards.
"Made mostly from Mendocino grapes, this presses all the right buttons—the deep, dark red color; the spicy, toasty aromas; the ripe, black cherry and currant flavors; the firm tannins and full body. It's tasty, and built for enjoyment alongside a great meal involving rich protein...91" WE 5/15

Zachys Picks– Biodynamic Wines

Abbatucci Vin de France Blanc Barbarossa 2010 (93SWJ) Sale $74.99
"Brilliant sheen with a light green tint. A fascinating and complex bouquet of briny, sour fruits and stones. On the palate, the wine is nearly fat, exhibiting a massive and layered wine that slowly unfolds in the mouth. Rich and yeasty on the attack, with notes of grapefruit, pine needles, fresh cream, and stones. A wine that inspires supreme contemplation by virtue of the complexity and uniqueness of flavors and textures. A good dose of acidity on the backend neatly ties the various components of the wine together. It is hard to describe the perfectly infused combination of earth, fruit, air, and yeast that this bottling possesses. Exceedingly long and complex finish, where the wine's essence gently echoes down the back of your palate...93" SWJ 05/12

This article is sponsored content from Zachys Fine Wine. For 70 years, Zachys has built its business on offering one of the most complete selections of fine wine & spirits in America with over 6,000 varieties available. In addition, the experience would not be complete without customer service playing a primary role in their day-to-day interaction with all of their customers.

Zachys Wine & Liquor,16 East Parkway • Scarsdale, New York 10583,800.723.0241 • zachys.com • [email protected]