Organics - passing fad or more long-term?

Organics. Is it a fad or is there something to it?

There are clear advantages in the world’s wine industry for the use of organic farming techniques.

Indeed, many vineyard managers would embrace this style of management from the start.

Winemakers will want to have their wine reflect the locality in which it is grown. If they have to use grapes that have been affected by chemicals in any way the effect is lost.

Organics in wine production generally mean that no chemical fertilisers are used and no chemical sprays are used to control insects, mildew or rot.

Once organic methods have been brought in to replace the chemical control and they meet other strict criteria, the vineyard will be awarded organic status and this can be stamped on the bottle.

There are, however, many growers who use strict organic practices who see little value in the organic stamp.

From the consumer’s point of view this creates a dilemma.

If you absolutely need organic wine you will look for the stamp. If it is less important you may be comforted to know that the wine industry is one of the most naturally organic of all.

Very large, factory-style producers have to use chemicals to control the system of production to ensure all the wines are the same. This way the customer knows that the next bottle will be exactly the same as the last.

On the other hand, smaller producers are much more likely to embrace the concept of organics and allow weather and geography to play their part. Ask your local retailer for advice – that is exactly how we can help.

This leads us neatly to the next stage – biodynamics!

Back in 1924 a German, Rudolf Steiner, started to look at how we could better manage land.

By ensuring the soil was in balance organically and minerally, further enhancements could be made by following natural rhythms such as those produced by the sun and the moon and the stars.

Many considered his ideas as complete pie in the sky!

Today, however, biodynamics has the backing of many experts.

Winemaking has been at the forefront and Domaine Cazes in the Rivesaltes/Roussillon region in the south of France are the largest biodynamique producers in the whole of France.

Their Marie Gabrielle Cotes du Roussillon is a perfect example of such pure winemaking.

Okay, at £13.99 a bottle it is really for a special occasion; a mix of 50 per cent Syrah, 30 per cent Grenache, 20 per cent Mourvedre, showing deep ruby/purple in colour with notes of cherry and spice, soft rounded with delicate tannin and a long finish.

If you are roasting some nice beef on Sunday, this could be the one!