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  1. Only 93 left
    Château de La Grange Organic
    Rich, silky, coastal Fitou red – an authentic taste of southern France from a superb organic estate
    CountryFrance
    Syrah-based blend
    $28.00 RRP
    from $23.99 when you mix 12+
  2. Big Sky Te Muna Road Martinborough Pinot Noir
    Gloriously silky, elegant flagship red from a small family estate.
    CountryNew Zealand
    Pinot Noir
    $57.00 RRP
    from $49.99 when you mix 12+
  3. Paxton Queen of the Hive McLaren Vale Red Blend
    "Effortless drinking", 92pt blend from master of biodynamics David Paxton
    CountryAustralia
    Grenache-based blend
    $25.00 RRP
    from $21.99 when you mix 12+
  4. Only 14 left
    Tscharke Barossa Valley Girl Talk Organic
    NEW! Mouthwatering and aromatic Barossa white – this is delicious
    CountryAustralia
    Savagnin
    $24.00 RRP
    from $16.99 when you mix 12+
  5. Tscharke Organic Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz
    Shiraz Shiraz Shiraz from three distinct Marananga (Barossa) vineyards
    CountryAustralia
    Shiraz
    $24.00 RRP
    from $19.99 when you mix 12+
  6. Zonte's Footstep Lady of the Lake Fleurieu Viognier
    Gold after Gold for this aromatic wonder of the Fleurieu...
    CountryAustralia
    Viognier
    $30.00 RRP
    $21.99 when you mix 12+
  7. Paxton AAA Shiraz Grenache
    This delightful 91pt SGM gets the AAA treatment – aromatic and approachable in equal measure
    CountryAustralia
    Shiraz-based blend
    $22.00 RRP
    from $19.99 when you mix 12+
  8. Only 27 left
    Big Sky Te Muna Road Martinborough Pinot Noir
    Big Sky's flagship Pinot Noir – lithe and elegant
    CountryNew Zealand
    Pinot Noir
    $55.00 RRP
    from $49.99 when you mix 12+
  • Showing (1 to 8 of 8)
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Wine FAQs

What is organic wine?

Organic wine is made from grapes that have been grown following organic farming principles.

The certification and labelling standards for organic wine vary from country to country. In Australia, several bodies oversee organic wine certification and labelling standards.

In Australia, both the vineyard and the winery must follow strict organic standards for a wine to be certified organic.

  • Vineyard – Organic farming principles must be adhered to. This means no synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or genetically modified organisms can be used. Healthy soil must be maintained through natural methods like composting and crop rotation.
  • Winery – The winemaking process must also be organic. Organic wines are made without synthetic additives, such as certain colourings, acidifiers and fining agents. Only certain non-synthetic additives are allowed, and the wine must be genetic modification-free. Sulfites, commonly used as a preservative in winemaking, are allowed, but their usage levels are restricted.

Can any wine be organic?

In theory, any wine in any style can be made organically. That's true for organic red wine and organic white wine.

In Australia, organic wine must meet specific criteria set out by certifying bodies such as Australian Certified Organic (ACO) or NASAA Certified Organic (NCO). These organisations have strict rules about farming and production methods that must be followed for a set period before a vineyard or winery receives organic certification. Certification is a long-term commitment that often requires several years of following organic practices.

When synthetic chemicals cannot be used, it can be more challenging to prepare the soil, manage pests and maintain the health of the vines, so not all winemakers choose to use organic methods.

Are there different categories of organic wine?

Certified organic wines in Australia are classified into several categories based on the adherence to organic principles by grape growers and winemakers. These classifications can vary globally, but here’s a breakdown relevant to the Australian context:

  1. 100% Organic – These wines are made only from organically grown grapes and do not include sulfites. They must meet all requirements for organic certification in Australia, which includes stringent regulations for both the vineyard and the winery.
  2. Organic – These wines are produced from organically grown grapes but may include added sulfites, albeit at lower levels than conventional wines.
  3. Made with organic grapes – These wines are made with organically grown grapes, but the winemaking process may not be fully organic. Sulfite levels may be higher and closer to conventional wines. Depending on the extent of organic practices employed in the winemaking process, they may have organic certification.

There are two other categories related to organic wine:

  1. Biodynamic – These wines are created using a philosophy that goes beyond organic farming and involves seeing the vineyard as an interconnected ecosystem. All the winemaking activities, from planting and pruning to harvesting, are directed by a unique biodynamic calendar that includes lunar and astrological principles. Biodynamic wines are always organic, but not all organic wines are biodynamic.
  2. Natural – Wines labelled ‘natural’ are generally made from organically or biodynamically grown grapes with a minimally invasive winemaking process. This means no added yeasts, sugars or other additives and low (or no) sulfites. However, the term “natural” is not an official category and lacks a standardised definition.

Why is organic wine popular?

Organic wines are gaining popularity in Australia thanks to an increasing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. Australians are becoming more health-conscious and aware of what they consume, which may lead to a preference for organic wines.

Wine enthusiasts are also attracted to organic wines as they are often perceived as ‘purer’ or more natural than conventionally made wines and can offer unique flavours and aromas. There’s also a growing trend in Australia to support local and smaller-scale producers who often adopt organic farming practices in a bid to be more sustainable.

Does organic wine taste better?

How a wine tastes depends on the grape variety used, the soil and climate where the grape was grown, winemaking techniques and the length and method of ageing.

The taste of organic wine is subjective. Organic wines use organic grapes, traditional winemaking techniques, and lower sulfite levels, which many believe results in natural, distinct flavours. Some believe this approach better expresses the vineyard's terroir. However, organic wines can also be more variable between bottles and vintages. Ultimately, whether organic wine tastes better depends on personal preference, so it's best to try and see what suits your taste buds.

Is organic wine better for you?

Organic wines are made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers and typically have lower sulfite levels, which can reduce allergic reactions in some people. They also often have fewer additives. However, it’s important to remember that organic wine still contains alcohol, so it should be enjoyed in moderation and as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

How can I tell if a wine is organic?

The most obvious way is to look for an organic certification logo on the label. Each country has its own certification bodies, so the specific logo you should look for can vary.

With Australian wine, look for logos from organic certifying bodies such as Australian Certified Organic (ACO), NASAA Certified Organic (NCO), or Organic Food Chain (OFC). These logos indicate that the wine adheres to organic standards. Additionally, look for terms like “Certified Organic” or “100% Organic” on the wine label, which suggest that the wine meets stringent organic criteria.

You can also check the ingredient list on the label, which may explicitly mention the absence of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. For further confirmation, visit the winery’s website or contact them directly to learn about their organic practices and certifications. You can ensure that the wine you choose is truly organic by checking these details.

At Laithwaites, you can select the Organic wines filter in our shop, so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for.

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