Organic & Biodynamic Wines

Organic wines are crafted from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilisers, focusing instead on natural alternatives and sustainable farming practices. This approach maintains soil health and promotes biodiversity. Under conventional viticulture, growers can use systemic treatments that treat the soil, whereas organic therapies concentrate on spraying the leaves and shoots so that no treatments enter the grapevine's vessels. Therefore, any residues from treatments are a fraction of those of conventional viticulture. The controversial weedkiller glyphosate is prohibited for this reason.

Biodynamic wines go beyond organic principles, incorporating holistic and astrological practices into vineyard management. This includes using special compost preparations and timing farming activities with lunar cycles. Biodynamic viticulture treats the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem, fostering a balanced relationship between soil, plants, and animals.

Contrary to popular belief, sulphites are permitted in organic wines. The maximum level for conventional wines is 200 ppm (parts per million) for white and rosé wines and 150 ppm for red wines, while it is mandated to be a maximum of 150 and 100 ppm, respectively, for organic wines. Typically, quality wines are much lower than this.

Organic wines produced in the EU are governed by EU regulations, and their sale in the UK is subject to UK organic standards. Biodynamic wines are regulated by specialised organisations such as Demeter International and Biodyvin.