Committee: Wines

#purity #biodiversity #nature #joy … just naming a few words that came up most when talking about “organic wine” at the interview I did with wine lovers, producers, and wine professionals at Europe´s biggest organic wine fair “Millesime Bio”. Another powerful word that encompasses the philosophy behind organic wines is #respect- for the environment, for our health, and for the producers that believe in sustainability as a fundamental pillar for future winemaking.    

Same as in organic agriculture of fruits or vegetables, in organic viticulture, it is not permitted the use of pesticides, herbicides, or artificial fertilizers. The winemakers, who choose to work organic, are making an extra effort to use alternative treatments in the vineyards, such as copper against fungus diseases or sexual confusion against unwanted insects. The result? The Earth says a big “Thank you”! The soil, the microorganisms inside it, and the biodiversity around can flourish, and the local waters do not get polluted with the chemicals drained after the rain. In addition, sustainable viticulture aids in preventing climate change as organically farmed soil sequesters more SO2 than conventionally farmed.  

Organic wines not only come from organically grown grapes but also are free from artificial additives in the winemaking process. Unfortunately, big players in the wine industry are treating wine as a soda drink recipe and in order to mask unwanted flavors from unhealthy grapes, uneven maturity, lack of acidity or tannins, they can use the powder for color, aromas, and flavor to make sure wine tastes the same vintage after vintage. This doesn´t happen with organic wines as no chemicals or GMOs are allowed, and the restrictions on the additives are applied so the essence of the grape variety, terroir, and the vintage is present. Moreover, the amount of sulfites is restricted in organically certified wines, eg. up to 100mg/l for red wine in Europe (most wineries actually use much less), and only necessary to prevent travel spoilage so that our friends in Tokyo can enjoy wines in the same condition we have them in Barcelona.   

As the saying goes, you are what you eat (and drink). Apart from peace of mind knowing that no chemicals went into your glass, by choosing organic wines we make most of the benefits wine adds to our health (not saying it doesn´t have the downside of still being an alcohol) and activation of ‘longevity gene’. According to the research, the levels of the whole-body antioxidant resveratrol, found in the skins, stems, and seeds of red wines, are 30 % higher in organic than in conventional wines! 

Organic sounds more expensive? The difference between organic wine prices is minimum (at least in Spain) and on top, you save on these rejuvenation vitamins J. And in case there´s an extra dollar to put, you should feel good about it. Instead of paying for the brands to cover their marketing expenses and supporting the chemical industry, your dollar supports the biodiversity of the vineyards, cleaner environment, water quality, and employment (eg. French organic vineyards employ double the people than conventional vineyards due to more manual work required).  

Interesting fact: many of the most famous wineries in the world produce their wines following sustainable practices, even though they do not advertise. Because for them it is not the marketing tool, but the philosophy they sincerely believe in, and long ago have realized that omitting chemicals is beneficial for the quality of the grapes and the general health of the vineyards. Did you know that Domaine de la Romanée Conti, legendary and one of the most prestigious wineries in the world, is certified organic?  

French organic champagne maker gave a beautiful reflection with which I´m totally in line with: “Apart from that we should do anything that reduces the impact on the environment, the essential reason for me, as a wine lover, to drink organic wines is that many times the wines made with extra care and by placing the nature in the center of the process, have more to give, have more emotion and transmit something extra into the glass. It is as if nature expresses itself better and deeper through organic wines.” 

I hope one day we will be able to say “Organic is a New Normal”. Right now it is definitely the #wisechoice knowing that each time you choose a wine bottle with a green leaf on it, you add a little (but essential) grain of sand towards love for our planet, care for our well-being, and the positive change we want to see in the world, and which comes from our every day (and every wine dinner) choices.