By Blythe Copeland
Great Neck, NY, USA | Tue Oct 28 15:00:00 GMT 2008
Around the world, a tremendous amount of attention goes into wine tasting: there's the color, the feel, the bouquet, the aroma, the finish—and let's not forget the actual taste! But there are also two more factors to consider, whether you're a wine sommelier, a sometimes connoisseur, or just on the search for a delicious glass to pare with a meal: What is the impact of the vineyard on its surroundings, and are pesticides and chemicals used in production? We got to the bottom (ahem, literally) of these questions with the five organic cabernet sauvignons listed below.
It's important to note the definition of organic is a bit murky. In the U.S., the criteria recently got tougher, and now refers to a wine made from organically grown grapes, without any added sulfites. In general, organic vintages are produced from grapes grown without the aid of chemical fertilizers, which can be both harmful to both your body and the earth. To make healthy soil, organic wineries plant crops in between vines. Each crop is selected to add nutrients and moisture. Some even attract helpful bugs, like mites that feed on other pests. Although the grape skins that go into red wine produce tannin, a natural preservative, no wine can be made entirely without sulfur. The good news is more wineries are making efforts to use it sparingly.
The best part? Four of our five picks are under $20—and the one splurge is a perfect bottle to stow away for special occasions.
For more on organic wine, check out How to Go Green: Wine.
Vineyard: Bonterra Vineyard; Ukiah, California
Why We Like It: Steward David Koball developed this California cabernet by mixing cabernet grapes (83%) with just a dash of syrah, petite sirah, and malbec for a rich taste with hints of raspberries, currents, cherries, and vanilla.
Eco Factor: The vineyard is certified organic, therefore soil, pests, weeds, and air are working their magic on the grapes without chemical intervention. The winery is also dedicated to composting, cover crops, and natural cycles.
Where to Buy: MadWine.com
How Much: $15
Drink it With: An aged cheddar cheese from your local farmer's market, a plate of organic fruit, and freshly baked bread.
Vineyard: De Martino; Chile
Why We Like It: This oak-aged certified organic wine from Chilean vineyard De Martino is a sensory delight to the nose with its blackberry, cherry, and truffle aromas, and the taste is full and smooth.
Eco Factor: The hand-picked grapes are grown, pruned, and harvested under the certification of BCS Oko-Garantie, then fermented in native yeasts to use less sulfur.
Interesting Factoid: According to the winery's Web site, it is actually easier to be organic in Chile, due to the dry summers and "nearly complete absence of plant disease."
Where to Buy: International Cellar
How Much: $15
Drink it With: A heaping bowl of pasta Bolognese or a grilled steak from free-range grass-fed beef.
Vineyard: Jacques Frelin Vignobles, France
Why We Like It: This full, rich wine—made entirely from organically-grown cabernet sauvignon grapes—is best known for its unpretentious, slightly peppery taste.
Eco Factor: It's certified organic by the stringent government-run French inspection company ECOCERT.
Where to Buy: The Organic Wine Company
How Much: $14
Drink it With: A spicy stir-fry, followed by a slice of organic bittersweet chocolate cake.
Vineyard: Pircas Negras; Argentina
Why We Like It: This Argentinean cabernet sports a fruity, earthy blend, combing notes of blackberry and tea with currants and allspice.
Eco Factor: It's both made from organic grapes and vegan, which means it isn't clarified with gelatin, isinglass, milk proteins, or animal albumin.
Where to Buy: Organic Vintners
How Much: $10
Drink it With: Organic meat on the grill with a side of seasonal fresh veggies.
Vineyard: Cullen Wines; Australia
Why We Like It: Cullen Wines considers its 2004 crop one of its best since 1993—plenty of rain, a cool growing season, and a warm harvest all contributed to grapes at ideal ripeness.
Eco Factor: All of the wines produced are organic and biodynamic, which means all the crop maintenance—from spraying to transplanting—is performed without chemicals, and with an eye toward the astronomical rhythms.
Where to Buy: OldBridgeCellars.com
How Much: $75
Drink it With: Organic lamb lollipops with fresh garlic and rosemary.
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