A reader emailed asking “What are biodynamic wines?” Over to Wackus Bacchus…
It’s a complex subject to explain without being either simplistic or nerdy but here goes…
Biodynamic wines are made with grapes grown following biodynamic principles – an advanced form of organic farming or viticulture. This ideology follows concepts set out by Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner in 1924, lecturing to farmers concerned about failing soil conditions and consequent crop issues.
It was a forerunner of today’s sustainable agriculture which avoids chemical pesticides or fertilisers. But biodynamics has more of a holistic approach. The farm (or vineyard) is considered as a single entity, wildlife, vines and soil cohabit-ting and supporting as one. It also uses an astrological calendar created by Maria Thun for viticultural tasks such as planting, pruning and picking. www.astrologie-info.com
Biodynamics courts controversy over herbal and mineral additives for composts . A cow horn stuffed with cow dung and buried to ferment over winter then added to natural compost to improve soil fertility is considered spiritual, even magical.
Biodynamic vineyards I’ve visited have had a calm, self-sufficient approach and positive atmosphere. Oh and the biodynamic wines? Well most experts admit they generally express an amplified purity of flavour and a stronger sense of terroir, or provenance.
A Selection of Wines Made From Biodynamically Grown Grapes (Officially Certified or Not)
Carro de Santa Maria Blanco 2015. Majestic, £7.99, £6.99 on Mix Six
Delightful fragrance of citrus and honeysuckle, with super mineral texture.
Domaine de la Pinte Arbois Chardonnay 2011, M&S, £16
Golden colour with complex waxy nose, rich glycerol palate with the flavour of hazelnut
Alphonse Mellot Le Manoir Sancerre 2014 Waitrose, £21.99 *
Delicate elderflower and nettle aromas, simply stunning razor sharp, Loire Valley Sauvignon.
Côtes du Rhône Belleruche 2014, Majestic £11.99, £9.99 on Mix Six
Attractive red fruit nose, big bold and chewy. Full favoured and pure,
Château Maris Les Vieilles Vignes Minervois, 2014, Waitrose £10.99 *
Discreet nose, beautifully smooth, silky concentrated red. A steal!
* Wackus Bacchus favourite