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What is Organic Wine? |
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by Hali Callow
Like all organic products, an organic wine starts with the farming practices. Much like other organic farming, organic grape-growing does not allow the use of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, chemically- based fertilizers or synthetic chemicals. In 1990, Congress passed the National Organic Foods Act and created what is called the National Organic Program (NOP). This program is meant to protect all parties involved in organic production and sales of organic products, from the producers to the consumers, from consuming potentially harmful synthetics. This act has put the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in charge of establishing regulations for organic foods to insure that foods labeled organic are in fact produced using non-invasive agricultural practices. The NOP has since come up with a national list of allowed and prohibited substances in all organic products.
Also involved in organic wine production and labeling is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). The ATF regulates all labeling of alcohol beverages and only allows organic claims on labeling if verified by an accredited third-party certifying agency.
The organic wine industry has four categories of organic certification:
• Made with organically-grown grapes
• Certified Organic
• Bio Dynamic
• Sulfite Free
Regulation of how the wine producer falls in which category is based on samples given to the USDA. The USDA, in turn, established the National Organics Standards Board (NOSB). The NOSB assists the development of standards for substances acceptable for use in organic production.
While at first these categorizations may seem confusing, when simplified you are sure to be better informed.
Made with Organically Grown Grapes
This category means the grapes are grown in accordance with organic standards and in a certified field. This means the soil is not contaminated with synthetics, there are no genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and there is no irrigation with sewage, unlike most traditional non-organic fields. The grapes themselves are also certified by an accredited agency, such as the USDA. While the wines are not Certified Organic and do not carry the USDA “Certified Organic” seal on the label, the grapes are certified. These wines can either be 100% Certified Organic grapes or have 70% organic grapes with 30% non-organic ingredients, such as yeast. Yet, most producers of these wines strive to use 100% Certified Organic grapes. These wines are also allowed added sulfites in addition to the already naturally-occurring sulfites. That can make for a total sulfite content of up to 100ppm, whereas conventional wines are allowed to contain up to 350ppm. Now this is where the sulfite subject might get confusing, so let’s start with the law. The U.S. Government passed a law in 1987 that states all wines that contain more than 10ppm must list on the label “Contains Sulfites”. Too bad each bottle doesn’t say whether the sulfites are naturally occurring or added, and in a perfect world give a Sulfite Grand Total!
So, what are sulfites? Sulfites (sulfur dioxide, or SO2) were permitted for use in winemaking back in 1487! You think it may be time for a change?! Sulfites are the salt or sulfurous acids used in most stages of winemaking, from the time the grapes are crushed to when fermentation begins, and again at the time of bottling. So, why are sulfites used? They have two purposes: 1. as an anti-microbial agent to help prevent re-fermentation after the wine has been bottled and 2. as an antioxidant to help the wine retain its color. In short, they work as a preservative for wines.
Certified Organic Wine
These wines are labeled “Certified Organic.” For domestics, the organic certification is issued from the USDA or California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). For imported wines, there are certifying agencies such as Quality Assurance International (QAI). Certified Organic wines are made with 100% Certified Organic grapes and are produced in a Certified Organic facility. The biggest difference between wine from Organically Grown grapes and a Certified Organic wine is that a Certified Organic wine can not contain added sulfites, only those that are naturally occurring. Sulfites are a naturally occurring component of the fermentation process that is created from wine yeast. The total sulfite content in a Certified Organic Wine can not exceed 20ppm.
Bio Dynamic Wine
These are wines that are also in the Certified Organic wine category based on practices and sulfite content. Bio-dynamic farming was introduced in the 1920s by a German, Rudolf Steiner. The vine planting, harvesting, and farming processes are all in harmony with the Earth’s solar and lunar cycles. Bio-dynamic farming utilizes a balance of spiritual and practical philosophy, known as anthroposophy. It is based on understanding the energy, ecology and spiritual nature of the farms’ balance with the Earth. Bio-dynamic farming uses practices similar to organic wine practices such as solar power, composting, using only materials in the vineyards that biodegrade, and gravitational flow well watering.
Sulfite Free Wine
This fourth category is also in the Certified Organic wine category and can also fall into the Bio-dynamic category. The differences in these wines are the sulfite content. The sulfites, according to the USDA, must test at 9.9ppm or less. The acceptable labeling for these wines are “Sulfite Free”, “No Sulfites Detected” and “No Sulfites Added” (NSA). These wines are pure in form and are usually referred to as closer to the grape.
Vegan Wines
All Certified Organic wines are vegan. In the wine-making process, a number of things are used as fining agents or clarifying agents prior to filtering. The reasons for using fining agents can be to stabilize the wine’s color, bouquet or flavor. Some common fining agents used in conventional wines are bentonite clay (which is safe and used in organic wine-making when necessary), sparkolloid (made from alginic acid that is extracted from marine brown algae), isinglass (derived from the air bladder of a sturgeon fish), gelatin and egg whites and kieselsol (silicon dioxide). Charcoal and PVPP (polyvinylpolypyrolidone) are agents used to remove odor or color.
So as you can see, not all wines are created equal. In comparison to conventional wines, organic wines are more beneficial to your health and that of the farmers’ and animals’ that live and work on the land. It is better for the longevity of the agricultural land, and there is no run off to our streams, rivers and oceans. Organic farms produce less pollution, therefore less of a carbon footprint. All-around, organic farming is healthier for the Earth. Making conscientious, informed decisions about the Earth we all share will help create a better place for all of us – now and in the future!
Local Stores Where You Can Purchase Organic Wines & Beers:
Estimated Price Range: $7.99 - $24.99 per bottle
San Luis Obispo:
Lincoln Market & Deli,
Natural Foods Co-Op
Arroyo Grande:
Grande Foods,
J.J.’s Market,
Spencer’s
Isla Vista:
Isla Vista Co-Op,
Santa Barbara:
Lazy Acres,
Ventura:
Valley Fine Wines
Restaurants
Pismo Beach: Honeymoon Café,
Santa Barbara: Spirit Land Bistro,
Ventura: Mary’s Secret Garden
If you have any questions about Organic Wines or where to purchase them, please contact: Hali Callow
blueplanetpromos@hotmail.com
Organic Wines Sales Representative
Respect All Inhabitants Of The Earth
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