2 minute read
Organic Wine
4 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT
Organic Wine The conscious sustainability movement has become a way of life, with many taking small steps to safeguard the world around us. Going beyond the ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ mantra, we’re now looking more closely at what we’re putting into our bodies. This is why Australia’s organic industry, worth over $2 billion, is seeing unprecedented growth, with organic wine growing in popularity. So, what goes into picking a quality drop of Certified Organic wine and why is this different from your usual glass? According to Tony Ingle, the Chief Winemaker and ‘Vine Whisperer’ at Angove Family Winemakers, the main difference between conventional and Certified Organic wine is that it is made free of artificial chemicals, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. These “honest” wines rely entirely on the quality of the land, the care of the grapegrower, the biodiversity of the region it was grown in and the craft of the winemaker. From taste to content, here are four things you might not know about Certified Organic wines: 1.
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It tastes better.
Numerous studies have shown that eco-friendly wines taste better. In an analysis of 74,000 wines in the US, experts rated Certified Organic and biodynamic wines higher compared to conventional wines. “Buying Certified Organic wines means you get all of the varietal flavour, complexity and structure without the synthetic chemicals,” says Tony.
2.
It has similar or higher antioxidants and phenolic content.
A recent report published by Australian Organic shows that the antioxidant activity and phenolic content of Certified Organic wines are similar or higher than conventional wine.
3.
It has less sulphur dioxide.
Certified Organic wines must have concentrations of no more than 150ppm (parts per million), while non-organic wines could have up to 300ppm. Angove’s Certified Organic wines have less than 100ppm sulphur dioxide. For those sensitive to sulphur dioxide, Certified Organic wines are a better choice.
4.
Companies can have only 2 percent organic ingredients to label their product ‘organic’.
In Australia, organic certification is optional. Producers can have as little as 2 percent organic ingredients to label their products ‘organic’. Worryingly, only one in 10 Aussies is aware of this fact. To ensure your wine, or any organic product, is truly organic, look out for third-party certification on their label, such as Australian Organic’s recognisable ‘Certified Organic’ bud logo. Enjoy your next glass of Certified Organic wine, knowing you’ve contributed to your health, as well as that of the planet.
