Buy Green: Organic Cabernet Sauvignon

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.