Your guide to organic and biodynamic wines

Organic and biodynamic wines - quick overview

In case you're pushed for time, here's a quick summary of the main categories:

• Organic wines - the grapes must be grown without the use of proscribed chemicals, and the wine must be made according to strict rules in the cellar. Organic wine is a legal term, and the exact conditions for labelling a wine organic are laid down by law.
• Sustainable wines - the term 'sustainable' refers to the impact of the wine on the environment, from reducing cardbon emissions to supporting the local community. It is a broader term than organic, with no single internationally agreed set of standards.
• Biodynamic wines - a system based on the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, which treats the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. Planting and harvesting are planned according to the phases of the moon, and natural remedies replace chemical treatments.
• Natural wines - also known as minimal intervention wines, these are made with minimal interference from the winemaker. Avoiding sulphur, using naturally occuring yeasts and fermenting the wine until there is zero residual sugar are common practices.

Why drink organic wine?

Does organic wine taste better? There's no official proof - but many people think it offers a purer expression of the fruit flavours of the grape.

However, many people prefer to drink organic because they don't like the idea that their wine might contain chemical residues. Others favour organic wine because they don't like the land being sprayed with chemicals - especially insecticides - for environmental reasons.

One thing's for sure: if a winemaker has spent three years gaining organic accreditation, they're likely to have taken care in other areas of winemaking too - a good indication of quality.

Why drink sustainable wine?

Choosing sustainable wine makes a positive impact - whether by supporting those less fortunate in the community or by preserving the planet's resources for future generations. And that's reason in itself. But does it taste better?

Studies have shown that if you tell someone they're drinking expensive wine, they'll rate it more highly. Not because they're easily influenced - but because the feeling of having a 'treat' simulates pleasure sensors in the brain that elevate the taste. Who's to say that the feel-good factor of drinking sustainable wine doesn't improve the taste too?

Why drink biodynamic wine?

In three words - because it's good. As mentioned above, professional wine buyers tend to love biodynamic wines - and they've sampled more wines than anyone else.

Why drink natural wine?

If you fancy something different, maybe try a natural wine. Some can be excellent. But a word of warning: if you plan to serve natural wine at a dinner party, taste it first to make sure it's not too 'out there'. Otherwise, you might get some odd looks from around the table.