Organic wine, natural wine, biodynamic wine, HVE, Terra Vitis – what on earth are they?
Schematic definitions
The vast number of wine labels creates confusion for consumers, which we will attempt to clear up, at least as regards the most common ones.
What is organic wine?
The AB label (organic farming) is a set of European standards that producers undertake to comply with in both the cultivation of the vines AND the processing of the grapes into wine. Synthetic products, insecticides and GMOs are prohibited. This does not mean that organic vineyards are not treated at all, but that they are cultivated using a list of authorised products (e.g. Bordeaux mixture, etc.). In
the winery, certain practices are prohibited (e.g. dealcoholisation, thermovinification) and a list of authorised products must be adhered to (there are many of them!).
In the wine-growing sector, there is a 36-month conversion period before a vineyard can claim the AB label and thus produce organic wine. This is overseen by a certification body which carries out an annual inspection. Incidentally, a label for wines produced from vines in conversion is currently being created – just to add another layer of complexity!
The following link will allow the more curious among you to discover the full texts relating to organic farming, authorised products for the vineyard, the winery, etc. https://www.inao.gouv.fr/Les-signes-officiels-de-la-qualite-et-de-l-origine-SIQO/Agriculture-Biologique
What is a biodynamic wine?
Biodynamics is a farming practice based on organic agriculture. It incorporates a number of specific protocols applied both in the vineyard and in the winery.
Two certification schemes coexist: Demeter and Biodyvin. The
core principle of biodynamics is to strengthen the plant rather than treat it. To this end, biodynamic preparations such as 500 and 501 (horn manure, horn silica) are mandatory at a specific point in the growing cycle. Decoctions or herbal infusions are strongly recommended. It is also worth noting that copper doses are subject to stricter limits than in organic farming, as is the case with SO2.
Many vineyard and cellar tasks must be carried out according to the lunar calendar.
For more information: https://www.demeter.fr/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FT-Demeter-2022-Viticulture.pdf and http://www.biodyvin.com/medias/cVS61pAqjF7g/files/Cahier%20des%20charges%20Biodyvin%20-%20Viticulture%20&%20Vinification.pdf
The practice of biodynamics has been steadily growing since the 2000s. So whilst it is sometimes controversial and considered too esoteric, it would appear that its merits have won over a good number of winegrowers. For your information, the Romanée Conti estate is certified biodynamic by Biodyvin