Differences between organic, natural and biodynamic wines
In recent times, different types of wine have entered the market under the name of ecological, natural and biodynamic. In principle, in terms of sensory tasting, there is no difference between them, although there are certain specific features when obtaining the grape and in its production process. Keep reading to get all the information about this comparison!
When can we talk about organic wine?
In this case, to be able to consider a wine as organic, all the vineyard must have the corresponding ecological certification. However, on some occasions, the winery’s own grounds do have this recognition, but their wines do not. This fact is due to the addition of sulfur, a compound of sulfur and oxygen used as an additive in the winemaking process, with the aim of purifying the color and adding more intensity to the aroma.
Therefore, in order to achieve ecological distinction, it is fundamental to completely restrict the application of chemical treatments against pests, such as fungicides or herbicides. In addition, the fields must be paid with natural organic fertilizers, such as pomace, crushed branches or manure. On the contrary, mineral fertilizers and the burning of crop residues are totally forbidden, since this practice seriously damages the conservation of the microbial flora of the earth.
And you would be wondering, how can you distinguish an organic wine from another that is not? Well, very simple. All organic wines have clearly labeled the concept ‘Organic farming‘ on their label.
What is the difference between an organic wine and a natural wine?
In this situation, the comparison between both products is a matter of certain nuances. In this sense, in the process of making a natural wine is not more sulphurous than that generated in the development of alcoholic fermentation In addition, they also have the advantage that in the cultivation of natural wines the minimum possible waste is produced and energy saving is encouraged, since the grapes ferment without any additional intervention, only with natural yeasts from their own grape. Thus, these wines rest inside glass bottles with natural cork stoppers.
Finally, natural wines, to date, have no official certification, but winemakers who produce them are grouped into various associations governed by a series of regulations and common procedures.
What is a biodynamic wine?
Without any doubt, they are possibly some of the most peculiar of all those that are for sale. The producers of biodynamic wines, together with the fact that they take into account the lunar cycles and the astrological calendar to carry out the different tasks of the field, also add natural elements to the land, such as compost, composed of organic waste or, for example, horns of cow with excrement buried in the ground to provide some nutrients to the vineyards.
On the other hand, it is essential and basic to take into consideration that in the process of making biodynamic wines the use of sulfur is totally rejected. Therefore, in this type of wine, the terroir is considered a living being and there is no room for these products of chemical origin.
Finally, the biodynamic wines are marketed under the Demeter label, in reference to the Greek goddess of agriculture, who established herself as the maximum representative and protector of the crops and the fertility of the fields. At present, it is a German agency, of a private nature, that globally homologates all biodynamic foods, including these wines.