Oct 01 2006 02:18 pm
Posted by DaisyWine under Wine Articles
Biodynamic Wine
Give back what you take, be environmentally conscious, recycle.
These are all things we are expected to do as responsible citizens in a world with quickly diminishing resources. Its time we expect the same from our wineries. Luckily, many wine makers agree.
Biodynamic grape growing is a holistic approach to grape growing that is quickly gaining popularity. A harmonic environment is created for the grapes to prosper because the vineyard is, in and of itself, a living organism.
Biodynamic vineyards are organic and strive to be self-sustaining: Livestock openly roam the farm, waste is recycled into compost, and the winemaker is often spiritually bonded with the vineyard.
This form of farming provides the wine maker the opportunity to personally connect with the land and therefore produce wine with passionate results.
For a more specific example of a common biodynamic farming technique, let’s explore the concept of horn manure. Ok, not the most pleasant concept, I agree. Nonetheless, it is an excellent example because it is an indication of how biodynamic farming connects with Mother Nature: not only on a terrestrial level, but by also by taking into consideration the celestial cycles.
Manure, usually collected from cows on the very same farm, is placed in a cow horn and buried from the Autumn Equinox to the Spring Equinox. At the onset of spring, the horn is dug up, the manure is mixed with water, and the new substance is sprayed onto the soil. The result is a natural nutrient that stimulates root growth.
A similar concept called horn silica is followed the other half of the year from the Spring Equinox until the Autumn Equinox. This diluted substance is sprayed directly on the crops in the fall to facilitate the plant growth.
Since the Biodynamic Farming approach has only recently become popular for wine makers in the States, very few wineries have wholly implemented the techniques. The good news is that a few have been successful and many more are well on their way by first becoming organic farms.
One of the more successful wineries using this technique is Benziger from Sonoma County. I recommend any of the wines from this winery. However, if you’re looking for a white wine, try the Chardonnay (for less then $12.00). If you’re in the mood for a slightly more expensive red, I highly recommend the Pinot Noir ($15-$20).