So what does organic really mean?
What is 'organic wine'?
Organic wines are made from grapes which are cultivated without recourse to synthetic fungicides, herbicides or fertilisers.
To produce a quality wine it is imperative that the base product is sound and we believe that organically-grown grapes have a head start because they are not in a cycle of chemical dependency.
What makes an organic vineyard?
In vineyards where the environment is respected and biodiversity encouraged, the vines grow in a living soil, full of worms and bacteria. This enables them to draw upon the optimum levels of minerals from the soil. In turn, these healthy vines develop better resistance to disease and go on to produce fruits for years to come.
Biodiversity is encouraged by planting cover crops between the rows of vines. Not only does this create an eye-catching landscape, but more importantly they bring a host of beneficial visitors. For instance, plum trees are planted in organic vineyards in California to attract Anagrus wasps to eat the destructive vine leafhoppers, which can cause massive crop damage if not controlled.
Certain biodegradable sprays are used from time to time and there are biological controls such as the planned release of ladybirds which eat vine aphids. Mildew problems may also be managed with salts such as copper sulphate and elemental (not man-made) sulphur.
How can you be certain it is organic?
We only stock goods from producers who have paid for and achieved certification, giving them the right to describe themselves as 'organic' or 'biodynamic'. Certification gives a guarantee that no chemical fertilisers, synthetic pesticides or herbicides have been used on the vines.
To gain organic certification, all producers undergo inspection by organisations such as the Soil Association in the UK, Ecocert in France and the CCOF in California. Standards are rigorously maintained and spot-checks can take place at any time during the year.
What is reconversion?
This is the process of converting from a conventionally-maintained vineyard to one that is fully organic.
Reconversion for vineyards takes three years because the grapevine is a perennial plant, whereas only two years are required for annual crops like wheat or vegetables. Right from the start of reconversion, the vineyard must be cared for 100% organically. Any non-organic treatments are strictly prohibited and their use would take the estate right back to the beginning again.
We think that those who have made the commitment to convert should be fully supported and so we are happy to sell wines from estates which are 'in conversion'.
The third crop of grapes picked from a vineyard that has undergone this process successfully is from a fully organic estate.
For more on organic production visit the Soil Association website.
Is it true you don't get hangovers with organic wine?
It would be nice if it was true, but everything must be taken in moderation! It is generally considered to be true that organic wine is less likely to give you a hangover than ordinary wine, because it contains less impurities. Organic wine producers tend to use reduced levels of sulphites, which are often the reason for an alcohol-induced headache. It also helps if you drink lots of water and eat on a full stomach!
Avoiding GM products
With GM technology being approved for vine growing and yeasts, the only sure-fire way to avoid genetically-modified organisms in your food and drink, and guarantee a 100% GM-free product, is to buy organic.
All of our products are organic and therefore free of GM organisms.