Organic/ ɔrˈgæn ɪk /
Organic viticulture is the production of grapes in an environmentally friendly way. This involves keeping a natural balance in the vineyard and the surrounding area, without the use of synthetic fertilisers, herbicides, insecticides or fungicides.
Minimal intervention; /
More accurately called ‘minimal intervention’ wines, winemakers use as few chemical and artificial processes as possible, and follow organic and biodynamic practices – from grape to bottle. But this isn’t a hippie movement; it’s not really about the values of health or ethics
Biodynamics; /
Winegrowers who practice biodynamics refrain from using pesticides, herbicides, or any genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which is the foundation of organic farming. A biodynamic farm relies on the various phases of the moon, absorbing its pure and natural benefits. But without over-simplifying what is quite a complex topic, biodynamics is the consideration of the vineyard as a complete and holistic energy system. The winemaker did not make the wine with any common manipulations such as yeast additions or acidity adjustments.
Sustainable;
Sustainable wines aim to have a winemaking process that protects the environment, supports social responsibility, maintains economic feasibility, and produces high quality wines. As grapes are grown, harvested, and made into wine, a multitude of environmental factors are prioritized.
Natural wine;
“natural wine” is most often made from grapes that were also grown either organically or biodynamically. But while some wines made from organic or biodynamic grapes may be processed as mainstream wines are, the “natural wine”- making process is generally intervention- free. In its purest form, it is wine made from unadulterated fermented grape juice and nothing else. … In the simplest terms, that process has two parts: growing and picking grapes, and then turning them into winethrough fermentation. Natural wine, then, is made from grapes not sprayed with pesticides or herbicides.
Some differences between them;
The difference between organic, biodynamic and natural wines are broadly speaking, organic wines comply with the government-regulated principles of organic farming, made from grapes that are grown according to these guidelines. Regulations include no synthetic fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides. However, the specifications of organic wine can differ around the globe with some countries allowing sulphites, and some not. In the US, for instance, organic wine must not contain added sulphites, whereas here in Australia, Europe and Canada, sulphites can be added and will not affect the status of an organic wine.
Biodynamic wines come from vineyards using biodynamic practices – an agricultural approach introduced in the 1920s by Rudolf Steiner. Biodynamic and organic farming do share similar practices, yet the biodynamic approach further builds on the ideas. A biodynamic farm relies on the various phases of the moon, absorbing its pure and natural benefits. This is because during the time of a new and full moon, the pull effect can produce more water in soils, and this increased moisture encourages viticulture.
To the surprise of many, some organic and biodynamic wines can still contain additives, like yeast for instance. This is where natural wine steps in referring to an organic grape’s life after fermentation, where, in most cases, nothing more is added. Fermentation sometimes produces cloudy wines with unusual flavours and aromas. Although many enjoy these aspects in wine, it’s also the reason other people do not favour them over more traditional styles