Home 
GreeniacsGuides
GreeniacsGuides
Drink Organic Wine and Beer Featured
- Owner
- greeniac24
- Votes
- 0
- Featured
- Yes
- Visited
- 0
Rate this listing
0 vote
BENEFITS for the Environment: Conventionally grown grapes rely heavily on the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. These chemicals rob the soil of nutrients, seep into ground water, pollute the air, and damage the grape vines. In organic viticulture, the practice of using harmful chemicals is replaced by more ecological practices. Natural sources of fertilizers such as manure are used in place of synthetic ones and cover crops are planted in order to attract bugs that are predators of pests. This not only eliminates the need for pesticides, but it also increases the biodiversity of the vineyard. Organic viticulture takes sustainability one step further: in addition to using organic grapes, the entire winemaking process is completed without the use of chemical and non-organic additives.
BENEFITS for You In a recent study comparing organic red wines to conventional red wines, organic wines were found to have the highest amounts of resveratrol. This compound has been linked to the decreased risk of cardiovascular disease associated with the moderate consumption of red wine. Organic wine may also be the solution for the 1% of the population out there who are allergic to sulfites. The decreased sulfite content in organic wine has been shown to be more tolerable for the sulfite sensitive crowd. Lastly, wine made with organic ingredients simply taste better because better grapes make better wine.
Cost: Variable Just like non-organic wines, the prices of green wines vary considerably. There are wines to suit those on a tight budget and those who feel like splurging.
Time and Effort: Low to Moderate While certified organic wines are typically labeled as such and easy to spot, wines made with organically grown grapes may be a little harder to find. Because of the shortcomings of wines initially labeled as organic, many wineries are hesitant to put the term on their bottles.
USDA Organic Certification 100% Organic: To be certified as 100% organic, the wine must be made with 100% organic ingredients, have an ingredient statement on the label that identifies organic ingredients, and specify the certification agency. In addition to this, 100% organic wines may not contain any added sulfites and the concentration of any naturally occurring sulfites may not exceed 100 parts per million. It is rare to find wine in this category because sulfites are often added to wine in order to maintain stability and extend shelf life.
Organic: Organic wines must be made with a minimum of 95% organic ingredients, have an ingredient statement on the label that identifies organic ingredients, and specify the certification agency. Non-organic ingredients may only be used when no organic alternative is available. Organic wines may not be treated with sulfites and those naturally occurring may not exceed 100 parts per million. These wines are also rare due to the regulation of added sulfites.
Made with Organically Grown Ingredients: Wines given this distinction must use a minimum of 70% organically grown ingredients, have an ingredient statement on the label that identifies organic ingredients, and specify the certification agency. The addition of sulfites is allowed but the total concentration may not exceed 100 parts per million. These wines can also be labeled as, ‘Made with Organically Grown Grapes' or ‘Made with Organic Grapes'.
Note: There are wines on the market that are made from organic grapes but may lack the organic distinction. Some winemakers refuse to provide ingredient labels while others continue to add sulfites.
Some Organic Wines: Lolonis Winery
Frey Vineyards
Coates Vineyards
European Union Organic Certification Currently, there is no official organic certification for wines hailing from the EU. Organic Viticulture and Winemaking (ORWINE) is currently conducting a multi-year study to develop standards for the designation of organic wines. Despite lacking an official organic distinction, European countries are beginning to adapt more earth-friendly cultivation techniques because they tend to result in a better product.
Made With Organic Grapes: Although European winemakers, lacking any standardized criteria for organic certification, are not permitted to be their wines organic, they may advertise that the grapes used in their product are grown organically. However, this distinction only refers to the method by which the grapes are grown and says nothing about the winemaking process. Chemicals may still be added and the only limit placed on the concentration of sulfites is the legal limit of 300-350 parts per million.
Natural Wine: The production of natural wines shy away from the use of chemicals and other additives. Grapes are handpicked, left to ferment naturally, and bottled without added sugars or sulfur. Natural wines cannot be mass-produced, and importing them can be expensive because they must be shipped refrigerated in order to maintain temperatures under 14°C. Most of these wines are not labeled natural, so the only way to truly know if your wine is natural is to visit the vineyard.
La Lutte Raisonée (‘The Reasoned Struggle'): Grapes grown in this manner by French winemakers stress organic methods of cultivation but are not regulated and need not to conform to any restrictions. The ladybug mark on their wine bottles, symbolizing the drive to implement more sustainable and eco-friendly cultivation methods, serves to designate wines produced from La Lutte Raisonée theology. The choice to omit or minimize sulfites and chemical additives is left up to each vineyard.
Where to Find: Louis/Dressner Selections: A New York based wholesaler, but they may be able to help you locate a retailer in your area.
Biodynamic Wines The biodynamic farming process is similar to the organic farming process in that the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers is prohibited. However, these two theologies digress at the biodynamic method's holistic view of the farm as a living organism. All materials used in a biodynamic farm are generated from within the farm. Planting, fertilizing, pruning, and harvesting times are dictated by lunar phases and the wines produced from this method are said to be truly representative of their origin. The main certifying body for biodynamic wines is Demeter and is internationally recognized.
Finding the Right Wine Taste, taste, taste, and taste some more! In order to find a green wine fit for your palate, you will need to do some tasting. Go to your local wine bar and try the organic wines they have in stock. With any luck the staff will be knowledgeable enough to direct you to the wines that are organic but aren't labeled. Whole Foods Market stores also carry a varied selection of organic wines. To become more familiar with organic wine labels before you head to the market browse theses sites:
Organic Wine Journal
The Organic Wine Company
Organic Vintners
Appellation Wine and Spirits
Not a wine aficionado? Take a look at these sustainable beers to enjoy!
Organic Beer The organic production of beer reduces the amount of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides introduced into the soil and atmosphere in the cultivation of grains and hops. Here are a few organic brews to peruse:
Wolaver's Certified Organic Ales: These beers are made by the Vermont based Otter Creek Brewing Company. Their availability is limited so check out their website to see where you can pick up a six-pack.
Eel River Brewing Company: Located in California's Humboldt County, The Eel River brewing Company was the first brewery to be certified organic. Only available in a handful of states, most of which are on the west coast, you may have to stop by and check out their taproom and grill the next time you are in the area to enjoy a brew or two.
Butte Creek Brewing Co: They brew both organic and non-organic beers so look at the label before you buy. It's not available in all states, but they are generally available in the western states as they are based in Chico, California.
Microbreweries are also another good option. For the most part these brews are intended for local consumption, which means that less fossil fuel is used in their distribution. Realbeer.com has a locator you can use to find a microbrewery near you.
Reviews (0)
Be the first to review this listing!
