What Is Biodynamic Wine? 

Biodynamic wine is wine made from grapes grown using biodynamic farming practices.

Biodynamic farming is a holistic approach to agriculture that views the farm as a self-sustaining ecosystem, with the soil, plants, and animals all interconnected and interdependent.

Biodynamic farmers use natural methods to enhance soil fertility, including but not limited to:

• composting
• cover cropping
• crop rotation

They also use special preparations made from natural materials to stimulate soil vitality and enhance plant growth.

Biodynamic wine production typically follows the lunar calendar, with planting, pruning, and harvesting timed to coincide with specific lunar and astrological cycles.

Biodynamic wine is often seen as a reflection of the unique terroir of the vineyard, as the natural farming practices aim to allow the vineyard's ecosystem to express itself fully in the wine.

It is also considered environmentally sustainable, as it avoids the use of synthetic chemicals and aims to promote biodiversity.

 

What Is Organic Wine? 

Organic wine is made from grapes grown using organic farming practices.

Organic farming is a method of agriculture that avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and instead relies on natural methods to enhance soil fertility, control pests and weeds, and promote plant growth. 

Organic vineyards use composting, cover cropping, and crop rotation to maintain soil health and fertility, and may use natural products such as copper and sulfur as fungicides.

Organic wine production also limits the use of additives and preservatives in winemaking, although the specific rules regarding winemaking practices vary by region and certification organization.

This type of wine is often seen as a healthier and more environmentally sustainable option than conventionally produced wine.

 

 

Biodynamic Versus Organic Wine: How the Farming Practices Differ

Biodynamic and organic wines share a commitment to sustainability and avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals. However, there are some key differences in the farming practices used in each approach.

Biodynamic farming incorporates spiritual and cosmic elements into farming, such as using lunar and astrological cycles to guide planting and harvesting.

Biodynamic farmers also use special preparations made from natural materials, such as cow manure and herbs, to enhance soil vitality and promote plant growth. 

 

Rudolf Steiner and Biodynamic Farming

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was an Austrian philosopher and founder of the Anthroposophy movement, which emphasized the spiritual dimension of human existence. In 1924, he gave a series of lectures on agriculture, which laid the foundation for biodynamic farming. 

Steiner proposed a holistic approach to agriculture that incorporated spiritual and cosmic elements into farming practices. He believed that farming should be viewed as a living organism, with the soil, plants, and animals all connected and interdependent. 

Biodynamic farming practices involve using preparations made from natural materials to stimulate soil fertility and enhance the vitality of the crops.

Steiner's teachings have had a significant impact on the wine industry, with many winemakers adopting biodynamic practices to produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of their vineyards while also being environmentally sustainable.

On the other hand, organic farming focuses more on natural methods of pest and weed control, such as using cover crops and encouraging beneficial insects.

Organic farmers may use natural products such as copper and sulfur to control fungal diseases.

 

Biodynamic Versus Organic Wine Certification 

In terms of certification, biodynamic certification is generally more stringent and requires adherence to specific farming and winemaking practices, while organic certification is more focused on avoiding synthetic chemicals and GMOs.

Ultimately, both approaches aim to produce high-quality wine while promoting environmental sustainability and preserving the integrity of the land.

 

Defining “Practicing Organic or Biodynamic Wine”

Many winemakers are simply 'practicing organic or biodynamic' and have not gone through the certification process because a.) they've been doing it that way for generations and b.) it is costly and time-consuming.

 

FAQs About Organic and Biodynamic Wine

Does Biodynamic Wine Taste Better Than Organic Wine?

The taste of wine is subjective, and whether biodynamic wine tastes better than organic wine is a matter of personal preference. 

Biodynamic farming practices, with their emphasis on holistic and spiritual farming methods, may create a unique flavor profile in the wine. 

Some winemakers and wine enthusiasts believe that biodynamic wines have a greater depth of flavor and a stronger sense of place. However, others argue that there is no clear difference in taste between biodynamic and organic wines, and that the quality of the wine is more dependent on the specific vineyard, winemaking techniques, and other factors.

Ultimately, the best way to determine whether biodynamic or organic wine tastes better is to try a variety of wines from each category and decide for oneself.

 

Are Organic or Biodynamic Wines Sulfite Free?

No, both organic and biodynamic wines may contain sulfites. Sulfites are a natural byproduct of fermentation, and small amounts are present in all wines. 

While organic and biodynamic winemakers are required to use lower levels of sulfites in their wines than conventional winemakers, they are still permitted to add sulfites as a preservative to prevent spoilage and oxidation. 

Sulfites also play a role in stabilizing wine during bottling and transportation. However, some organic and biodynamic winemakers choose to make wines with lower levels of added sulfites or without added sulfites, but this is not a requirement for organic or biodynamic certification.

 

Are Organic and Biodynamic Wines Healthier? 

There is ongoing debate as to whether organic and biodynamic wines are healthier than conventional wines.

Organic and biodynamic farming practices do not allow for the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and instead, rely on natural methods to promote soil health and plant growth.

As a result, organic and biodynamic wines may have lower levels of residual pesticides and other chemicals compared to conventionally produced wines. Additionally, some argue that the absence of synthetic chemicals may make organic and biodynamic wines less harmful to human health.

However, it is important to note that organic and biodynamic wines still contain alcohol, which can have negative health effects when consumed in excess.

Furthermore, while organic and biodynamic farming practices may have some benefits, the overall nutritional content of wine is not significantly impacted by these practices.

Therefore, while organic and biodynamic wines may be seen as a healthier choice by some, it is still important to consume alcohol in moderation and to consider other factors such as grape quality, winemaking techniques, and alcohol content when making choices about wine consumption.

 

Be sure to browse our selection of organic and biodynamic wine at Caves Wine Shop online today.