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I've been getting into organic wines lately for one obvious reason: I like the idea that my wine is free of pesticides and added sulfites. I'll admit that I was skeptical at first about quality. But after testing out several labels, I am hooked and am starting a collection for my next dinner party. As I spend more time reading wine labels, I am learning that the term " organic" doesn't begin to tell the full story about all of the great things vintners are doing to be more eco-friendly.
There's much more to the "green" winemaking process than simply using organic grapes. Many winemakers, organic or not, are employing a whole host of eco-practices, including using solar energy and other alternative energy sources; implementing water conservation efforts; applying natural methods to maintain soil health; using recycled building materials; and creating recycling programs.
Before uncorking your next bottle of "green" wine, here are five things to keep in mind.
- How to read an "organic" label
- Why sulfites get a bad rap Most wines have small amounts of naturally occurring sulfites. Additionally, it is common for vintners to add sulfur dioxide to their wines as a preservative. In fact, winemakers have been using sulfites for hundreds of years. Sulfites have a bad reputation because they are linked to allergies and headaches in some people. If you are concerned about sulfites, make sure the label reads "no added sulfites."
- Understanding sustainable winemaking We hear the word sustainability a lot these days. But what does it mean in winemaking? Overall, a wine is considered sustainable if it is produced in such a way that preserves the environment for future generations. A winemaker that uses sustainable practices works to continually nourish the soil and surrounding environment; takes into consideration the local community's needs; and operates in a way that can be financially viable well into the future. Some vineyards are also working toward biodynamic status, a science that takes an even more holistic view toward the natural environment and winemaking.
- Finding local wine With the wine business booming, you may be surprised by the number of vineyards in your own backyard. This is good news for those of us who are trying to buy local. However, you may not have as much luck finding a wine that is both local and organic. Your neighborhood wine store will know what's available in your community. If you can pair up the two, you're doing better than most and deserve a mark in the green column!
- Finding vegan wine If you are vegan, the most important thing to know about wine is that there is no guarantee it is animal-free unless it is so stated on the label. Look for "vegan-friendly" on the label. Some vintners will use fining agents for color and flavor, including egg whites, casein, gelatin and isinglass (a fish product). Vegan-friendly wines use alternative fining agents such as bentonite clay.
There's a lot of confusing information about what organic means in the world of winemaking. Cutting through the noise, organic essentially means that the winemaker has not treated the grapes with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides. Wine that is certified "100 percent organic" or "organic" by the USDA is made from organically grown grapes and does not have added sulfites. But here is where it gets tricky. If the label says "made from organically grown grapes," it may contain added sulfites. Keep in mind that all of this only applies to U.S. wines.
Unless you live near an eco-friendly vineyard and can do a tour, the best way to learn more about organic and green practices in winemaking is to spend time chatting up your local wine purveyor.
More on eco-friendly wine from Planet Green
Supervino, to the Rescue!
Recycle Your Corks with ReCork America
Check Your Wine Labels
Reuse Those Empty Wine Bottles: Five Ways
Bask In The Warm Glow Of Wine, Without Warming The Globe
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