Organic Wine
Terms
Made
with Organic Grapes—Grapes have
been grown in accordance to the
comprehensive organic standards
established by the USDA National Organic
Program. In addition, wine has been
produced and bottled in a certified
organic facility with low levels of
added sulfites. Sulfite content must not
exceed 100 parts per million (ppm), as
opposed to conventional wines which may
contain up to 350 ppm. These wines may
not carry the USDA ORGANIC green
logo even though they are made with at
least 99.99% organic grapes and .01% or
less sulfur dioxide.
Organic Wine—Grown, produced and
bottled as above. These wines may carry
the USDA ORGANIC logo. Contrary
to traditional winemaking, this category
has no added sulfites, although traces
of naturally occurring sulfites may
still be detected.
Note: The
United States is the only country
that has limited the growth of the
organic wine industry by adding the
sulfites technicality to the labeling
confusion. Therefore, only domestic
wines with no added sulfites can be
found labeled as “Organic Wine.”
Biodynamic Wine—Biodynamic
farming embraces all the standards of
organic viticulture but also adds other
dimensions, including planting by lunar
and solar cycles, using special compost
preparations and attempting
self-sufficiency by bringing in as few
amendments and supplies from outside the
vineyard. Demeter is the certifying body
for biodynamic farming.
Vegan
Wine—Animal by-products such as
isinglass (made from the air bladders of
fish), casein (milk proteins), egg white
or gelatin (made from bones and hooves)
are commonly used in the fining process,
the process that clarifies the wine
after fermentation. Vegan wines are
fined with bentonite clay—no animal
by-products whatsoever are used in the
winemaking process.
Sulfites and Wine—Sulfites, or
sulfur dioxide, are the salts of
sulfurous acids. They are a commonly
used preservative. Sulfites occur
naturally in table and wine grapes.
After crush, sulfur can be added to the
grapes to prevent wild yeast
fermentation, to slow the growth of
bacteria and to prevent the juice from
browning. Less sulfur is needed for red
winemaking because red wines contain
higher levels of tannins that act as a
preservative. There is no such thing as
a sulfite-free wine because wine yeast
produces sulfur dioxide during
fermentation. Wines with no added
sulfites have a lower shelf life and
once open, oxidize at a faster rate.
Sulfites, contrary to popular belief,
probably do not contribute to the
headaches some people experience after
drinking. Research is now showing that
most likely, histamines are the culprit.
Why
Choose Organic Wine?
-
It is
the best accompaniment to any
organic meal.
-
Grapes
are one of the most heavily sprayed
crops; organic wines are made from
grapes without pesticides,
insecticides or herbicides.
-
Organic
farming promotes biodiversity and
sustainability.
-
Organic
wines are better for your personal
health (higher antioxidant levels)
and the environment.
-
Organic
wines express terroir (taste
of place) and an incredibly pure
taste—they’re unique and expressive
wines.
Created by Organic Vintners, April, 2007
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