Biodynamic Wines
Posted by Curt McAdams on Wine Sediments.
Biodynamics is part of the work of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian scientist and philosopher. Biodynamics as a science deals with an approach to farming that goes beyond organic farming. Organic farming is an approach, as many of us are aware, that uses approaches such as not using chemicals in the farming process. Biodynamics goes further by encouraging a self sustaining ecosystem, a more wholistic approach to farming in general.
Several wineries have taken to making Biodynamic wines. One of these is the Benziger Winery in Glen Ellen, CA. Starting in 1997, the winery hired a Biodynamics expert and achieved biodynamics certification in 2001 from the Demeter Association. This certification must be renewed annually, and vineyards must meet guidelines which include:
- No use of artificial fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides
- The promotion of crop fertility through compost, manures, green manuring and crop rotations, along with regular application of Biodynamic compost preparations and field sprays
- Pest control through soil management; Biodynamic sprays and teas; crop rotations and diversification; and promotion of diverse animal, bird and insect populations that lead to
self-regulating predator and prey relationships - Weed control by cultivation and other mechanical methods
- The majority of composting materials must be self-generated by the farm
- The farm must be free of prohibited inputs for 36 months and under Biodynamic
management for 24 months prior to certification
Benziger’s 2003 Tribute is a currently available Biodynamic wine. This is made from 100% estate grown grapes. Tribute is made fo 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 11% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot.
Though I haven’t had the pleasure of trying this wine yet, previous Tribute wines have garnered reviews well into the 90+ range (the 2002 was Wine Access’s wine of the year). The success of this wine, and others like it, will determine if Biodynamics is a viable science to use in growing grapes (Benziger actually uses the approach throughout their family estate). Is supporting a winery that is self sustaining, more-than-organic worth $60 per bottle? From what I know of other Benziger wines, it won’t be a disappointment to anyone!
The question I have overall is just how far from organic do some other wines get?
(Images used with permission from Benziger Family Winery)
That’s a good question. I think most high end wines are made from vineyards that use sustainable growing practices, but where the organic and biodynamic factor comes in is:
1. stewardship of the land. our awareness of the cumulative affect of things on the environment is big right now, so part of it is just the idea of doing less harm.
2. quality. I can’t explain all the variables, but there are a lot of people who swear that there is more flavor in produce grown this way. Better quality grapes = better quality wine.