Organic wine

Organic wine is wine made from grapes that have been grown according to the principles of organic farming. This means winemakers avoid using synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in their vineyards. Instead, they rely on techniques such as crop rotation, compost and biological pest control to maintain soil health and combat pests and diseases.

In addition, organic wine is made without the use of synthetic additives such as some colourings, acidifiers and fining agents. Sulphites, typically used as a preservative in winemaking, are also more strictly regulated in organic wine production. The allowed sulphite levels in organic wines are lower than in conventionally made wine.

However, the certification and labelling of organic wine varies from country to country. In the US, for example, a wine labelled “organic” must be made from organically grown grapes without added sulphites. In the UK and the European Union, however, the term "organic wine" refers to the entire winemaking process, not just the growing of the grapes, and a minimal amount of sulphites may be used.

The entire process of making organic wines, from vineyard to bottle, is subject to regular inspections and certification by an authorised organic certification body. In the UK, the Soil Association is the most recognized organic certification body and sets strict standards for what can be considered organic wine.

Organic wines can vary depending on how closely they adhere to organic principles in the vineyard and the winery. Organic wine may fall into the following general categories (although strict interpretations vary by country):

• 100% Organic Wine – made from 100% organically grown grapes and doesn’t include sulphites. It may have an official organic certification indicating that both the vineyard and winery have met all the requirements for organic certification.
• Organic Wine – also made from organically grown grapes but may have some added sulphites, although still at lower levels than conventional wines.
• Made with Organic Grapes – made with organically grown grapes, but the winemaking process may not be fully organic, and sulphite levels may be higher than in fully organic wine.

There are two other categories related to organic wine:

• Biodynamic wines are created using a philosophy beyond organic farming, seeing the vineyard as an interconnected ecosystem. All the winegrowing tasks, from planting and pruning to harvesting, are regulated by a unique biodynamic calendar which includes lunar and astrological principles. Biodynamic wines are always organic, but not all organic wines are biodynamic.
• Natural wines are generally made from organically or biodynamically grown grapes with minimal intervention in the winemaking process. This means no added yeasts, sugars, or other additives and low or no sulphites. However, this is an unofficial category and definitions can vary.

All types of wine can be classified as organic, including red wine, white wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine and fortified wine. Organic wine is defined by farming and winemaking practices, not by the type or colour of the grape. Therefore, any grape can be grown organically and used to make organic wine. This means you can find organic wines of many different styles and from many different grape varieties – from an organic Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to an organic Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

The critical element, regardless of the type of grape or the colour of the wine, is that the grapes must be grown without the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or herbicides and that the winemaking process follows organic guidelines, including restrictions on the use of sulphites and other additives.

So, if you have a favourite grape variety or wine style, there’s a good chance that you can find an organic version of it. The range and availability of organic wines have significantly increased in recent years, reflecting a growing interest in organic and sustainable products.

People are becoming more interested in organic wine for several reasons. Many prefer organic wine for environmental reasons, as organic farming practices aim to protect the long-term health of the soil and ecosystems. Other people believe that organic wines offer a more authentic expression of the grape and where it is made.

Some wine drinkers consider organic wines ‘healthier’ than non-organic wines because no synthetic chemicals are used during grape growing, and the finished wines have no or lower sulphite levels.

Whether you prefer organic wine or not comes down to individual taste. There are high-quality, delicious wines made both organically and conventionally, so it’s worth trying a variety to see what you prefer.

How a wine tastes depends on various factors, including the grape variety, the region where it's grown, the specific weather conditions during the growing season, and the winemaking techniques used. Organic farming is just one element in this complex mix.

Some people believe that organic wine tastes better. The argument is that organic farming helps to more clearly express a wine’s unique character and better reflect where the grapes are grown. 

However, being organic doesn’t ensure a wine tastes good or better than a conventional wine. Excellent wines are produced using traditional methods, and the skills and knowledge of the winemaker are crucial in creating a quality wine.

There are several ways to tell if a wine is organic or not. The most reliable way is to look at the wine's label for a logo or seal that indicates organic certification. Each country has its own certification bodies, so the specific logo you should look for can vary.

You may see 'made with organic grapes' or a similar phrase on a wine's label. This means that while the grapes used in the wine are organic, the winemaking process may not adhere to full organic standards, or the sulphite levels in the wine may be too high for it to be fully certified as organic.

Beyond labels, look at the winery that made the wine. Some wineries are known for their commitment to organic farming and winemaking. If you're familiar with these wineries, you might not need to look for certification logos. 

Finally, you can always ask a Wine Guide. Our friendly team is ready and waiting to answer your wine questions, so give them a call.