Wines: Red, White, and Green? |
Organic
Wines
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It's a sweeping new trend that is gaining in popularity and
quickly dismissing the idea that organic wine isn't good
wine. So many of us seek out organic produce, so why is it
such a stretch to ask for the same in our wine? Given our
world climate, it shouldn't be any surprise that more
businesses are doing their part to become green. It only
stands to reason that the farming industry can make the most
immediate impact. Make no mistake though, it's a massive
undertaking for wineries to adhere to these principals, and
re-work the practices that make growing crops an exercise in
science. But, in doing so, they deliver crops that are truly
as nature intended.
Now ten or twenty years ago, there were only a handful (if
that) of organic wines. Some may have only been interested
in the environment and not necessarily in great winemaking
practices. Some concepts may have been new or more difficult
to master. But when great winemakers go back to the drawing
board and combine their expertise with a passion for the
land, amazing things happen. |
Sterling
Sauvignon Blanc |
Bonterra
Chardonnay |
Natura
Cabernet |
Sincerity
Chardonnay |
The two main types of farming are organic and sustainable
farming. Organic is much more intensive, to adhere to this
USDA stamp the grapes must be 100% organic, no chemicals,
pesticides, or herbicides of any kind can be used. Growers
rely on mother nature for protection, finding insects that
are natural predators for the ones that dine on crops, and
planting other types of flora that provide natural cover. It
requires a significant amount of work to make sure you're
eco-system is in balance. Being organic also means that
there is no added sulphites in the wine, something that will
make many rejoice.
The second is sustainable farming, which still requires
great care. This method makes sure that soil nutrients are
reple-nished, and greatly minimizes the use of non-renewable
resources. This practice literally means that crops can be
grown on the same land indefinitely. In addition, wineries
that adhere to this, (and even some that don't) are taking
further steps by composting, recycling, and water
conservation. |
Sustainable Farming Wines |
Wente Rive
Ranch Chardonnay |
Wild Horse
Cabernet |
Pacific Rim
Dry Riesling |
Cline
Zinfandel |
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The biggest point in all of this is how the wine turns out.
Not only is it a much healthier product, but you would never
know that you're drinking anything different. The advances
to ensure the wine comes out just as rich and flavorful are
here today. We urge you to try some of the wines
illustrated, they are excellent choices in winemaking that
just happen to also be doing their part to make the world a
better place. |
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Below are visual
illustrations of Organic and Sustainable Practices |
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~ OTHER ECO FRIENDLY WINERIES~ |
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