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With organic viticulture taking on an ever growing presence in the grape growing community, the term biodynamically grown is being used more frequently. How does biodynamic viticulture differ from organic? Organic viticulture basically states what a grower cannot use. A grower cannot use synthetic or chemical based fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides or weed killers nor can they use any genetically modified plant materials. After a three year moratorium on chemicals, a grower can apply for organic certification. Requirements by certifying organizations (organic certification in California is done by the CCOF), basically demand what is not being done in the vineyard rather than what is being done. Don’t do this and don’t do that and you are eligible for organic certification.

Of course, packing up the chemicals is a major step in the right direction for grape growers. Not only do chemicals poison the grapes and the soil in which they are grown, they poison the surrounding air and water as well. Do these chemicals find their way into a bottle of wine? Monsanto (makers of a wide variety of agrochemicals) would say no. Somehow, I have trouble believe them. The chemical companies lied to us in the past about DDT, a chemical insecticide widely used in farming until it was banned as a likely carcinogen and environmental disaster in 1972. Now they tell us that Monsanto’s Roundup, the most widely used herbicide in the world (active ingredient glyphosate, a known toxin and ground water contaminant), breaks down in the soil naturally and is basically harmless to consumers’ health. That almost echoes the claim by tobacco companies telling us that smoking is virtually harmless. I think I’ll pass on the Roundup, thank you. So, yes, organic viticulture is a very good thing. We should all be supporting the farmers who have taken the steps to provide us with healthier alternatives.

So, how does biodynamic farming fit into the picture? Biodynamics encompasses all of the “cannot do” things of organic farming…no chemical fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, etc. But, biodynamics does not stop there. Biodynamics looks at the entire picture, not just the framework. It’s all about the holistic well being of not only the plants, but the entire vineyard or farm. Biodynamics encourages the build up of microbial life in the soil through the use of special preparations that are applied when the vineyards are most receptive to them. Biodynamics works with the rhythms of the sun, moon and stars, which have a profound influence on life on this planet.Biodynamics is a link to the ancient wisdom of our ancestors. Modern day conventional viticulture (using chemical sprays) is fight between man and nature, a fight in which nature will ultimately win. Conventionally farmed vineyards are like junkies that need a fix to survive. The metabolism and immune system of the soil (the life blood) of the vineyard are so badly damaged from chemical treatments they are unable to fight back against diseases and predators. The grower goes from problem to problem, (insects, mold, fungus, etc.); spraying away, fighting battle after battle with the forces of nature. Organic viticulture is a step in the right direction, where the grape grower has stopped fighting and declared a truce with Mother Nature. The grower opens up a dialogue with planet Earth and looks for solutions to problems rather than cosmetic quick fixes. Biodynamic viticulture, on the other hand, is when the grower becomes unified with the forces of nature. Here, all things become positive. Rather than fighting nature, the grower is utilizing all of nature’s forces to his or her advantage. The biodynamic farmer opens up a communication with the soil and environment, a synergy that draws together astral and earthly forces. The vineyard becomes a healthy self-sufficient organism, where energy is drawn in and utilized to the fullest.

Speaking of biodynamic viticulture, we have a few cases left of the 2002 Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Beaune from the eponymous (in biodynamic terms) Didier-Montchovet. Founded in 1984 and practicing biodynamic principles from the very start, Didier-Montchovet has 12 hectares of Demeter certified vineyard. The winery is gravity fed to reduce the need for pumps, and rainwater is used in the production of their biodynamic treatments. Composting is provided by the estate’s animals, including horses and donkeys that carry out work in the vineyards. The 2002 Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Beaune, displays a beautiful color and bouquet, reminiscent of strawberries and rose petals. Soft and feminine with silky tannins and a voluptuous texture, the wine is delicate and complex, and delightful to drink tonight!

Caze-Thibaut Champagne Naturellement Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut [2019] NV 750ml

750ml

SKU: 210000048326

$59.99

per bottle

$359.94

for 6 bottles

$719.88

per case (12 bottles)

Argentina	Australia	Austria	Chile
Croatia	Denmark	France	Germany
Greece	Hungary	Italy	Morocco
New Zealand	Portugal	Sicilia	Slovenia
South Africa	Spain	Switzerland	USA
United States

Beaujolais	Beaujolais - Beaujolais Villages	Bordeaux	Burgenland
Burgundy	California	Castilla Y Leon	Castilla y Leon
Catalonia	Champagne	Coastal Region	Emilia Romagna
Fribourg	Loire	Loire Valley	Manchuela
Marche	Marlborough	Mendoza	Minnesota
Oregon	Penedes	Pennsylvania	Piedmont
Rhone	Rhone Valley	Ribera del Duero	Rioja
Sicily	Thessaly	Tuscany	Veneto

Biodynamic	Cider	Dessert	Orange
Organic	Ports	Sparkling	Spirits
Other Wine

Blend	Cabernet Franc	Cabernet Sauvignon	Champagne
Champagne Blend	Chardonnay	Chenin Blanc	Gamay
Garnacha	Gewurztraminer	Grenache	Grenache Blanc
Macabeo	Malbec	Merlot	Nebbiolo
Pecorino	Petit Verdot	Pinot Noir	Proprietary Blend
Proprietary Red	Prosecco	Rhone Blend	Riesling
Ros�	Sangiovese	Sankt Laurent	Sauvignon Blanc
Syrah	Tempranillo	Vodka	Welschriesling

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Bart's Organic Blog