Whether splitting a bottle with your bestie or having a wind-down glass with your Sunday lunch, there is something about wine that makes us feel silky, sophisticated, and like our frayed nerves have been somewhat soothed. This is the good side of wine. But then, when it goes down easier than planned there’s the inevitable headache, the sugars, and the tired feeling the next day. Organic wine may not be able to solve all your wine woes but making the switch can be a healthier way of consuming your chosen vice. We take a look at whether switching to organic wine is worth the hype…
What Even is Organic Wine?
Just like the label on organic food, organic wine is made from organically grown grapes in a way that adheres to not spraying the vines with any kinds of chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Usually, when winemakers and farmers are growing their vines and foods, they want to keep bugs and pests away from their crops which is why they use preventative measures. Organic wine is free from all this, whatever methods the vineyards used, they steered clear of anything chemical. This means that your wine should have a cleaner taste and as an added bonus – be better for the environment.
Why is it Better for the Planet?
When vines and grapes are sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, this can run off into the soil which can have an impact on the purity of the land. Another environmental argument in favor of organic wine is the fact that it takes less water as the soil builds up with organic matter so it is able to hold more water. This means that less water is needed to keep the vines happy and thriving as they become much more self-sufficient and less reliant on external watering.
How is it Healthier for You?
Organic wine contains fewer sulphites, less sugar, and fewer additives, in general, making it a much healthier version of the drink you usually enjoy. Also, as with much organic produce, the grapes, in general, are much healthier meaning that you get high-class skins that are rich with antioxidants. These antioxidants include polyphenols and resveratrol to keep your heart beating strong and healthy. As an added bonus, the fewer the sulphites, the less likely you are to suffer a headache the next day.
So What Country Should I Look For?
Wine that’s better for the planet and our health? Where do we sign up and what should we look out for when picking the best bottle? Of course, the first thing you should keep an eye out for is that 100 percent organic label. It’s also worth taking into consideration that the European greats of France, Italy, and Spain represent almost two-thirds of the vineyards that come with the certified stamp or organic.
And How Do I Work Out the Labels?
Some wines will be labelled as Made With Organic Grapes which doesn’t necessarily mean that the vineyard doesn’t add in sulphites as a preservative at a later stage. Then there are bottles labeled No Sulphites Added which is definitely something worth looking for as if you are veering more towards organic, you want to avoid those added sulphites. Wine will naturally have some sulphites occurring so while you can’t avoid it completely you can reduce it. If you see something labeled Biodynamic this means that the grapes are sustainably harvested often in sync with the lunar cycle and follow strict natural organic processes from start to finish.
Long story short, organic wine is well worth the hype especially if you are looking for a result that rests on lovingly taking the gifts of the branch to bottle just as nature intended.
Do you drink organic wine? Share your favorite bottles and brands with us in the comments.
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