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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.