Sustainable, organic; what does it all mean?
Sustainable Wines
Sustainability refers to a range of practices that are not only ecologically sound, but also economically viable and socially responsible. Sustainable vineyards focus on water efficiency, natural pest management, soil health, energy efficiency and waste management. Many of the vineyards that we work with use renewable energy, running their wineries on solar panels.
What does this mean for the wine consumer? When you select a bottle of wine marked with a sustainability certification, you know that your wine was made with the environment, social responsibility, economic viability, and high quality in mind. Buying wine is becoming more personal than ever. In the same way that consumers want to support brands that share the same values when they select what they wear and what they eat, this also applies when it comes to what they drink. You don’t have to spend anymore to enjoy a sustainably produced wine it’s just a matter if choice.
Organic Wines
Organic wines are made from organically grown grapes. Organic farming avoids using non-natural, manufactured chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, this also includes yeast used. Organic winemaking rules and regulations differ between countries, but generally speaking the biggest differences compared to conventional winemaking is the lack of colouring agents and concentrated wine additives and no use chemicals in the farming. The absence of manipulation in both the vineyard and the wine making process leads to a wine that is more natural. Organic wine is often the best expression of the grape and the terroir, the land and environment in which it is grown, as the grapes have to find their own balance and therefore the true grape character shines through in the glass. In the case of Through The Grapevine’s organic producers they also adhere to sustainable practices.
Try some of the beautifully-produced wines under these classifications, from family-run vineyards, producing great wines and protecting the land for the future. Cheers to that!
|