T
here are a plethora of choices facing our wine estates when it comes to deciding how to farm their vineyards. Many, like ourselves, are family businesses and we expect them to be committed to working as environmentally as possible. Factors that affect their farming philosophy are many but local climatic conditions are a key consideration. For example in cooler or wetter locations, opting to farm 100% organically can be tricky. But, organic farming is not the only option open to our grape growers who want to work with environmental respect.
This booklet aims to give an overview of some of the certifications that can be seen on our growers labels and please bear in mind that not all wineries choose to certify.
Organic wine
Biodynamic wine
Biodiversity and wine
Sustainabilty and wine
Global wine regulation states that organic viticulture must look to maintain and protect ecosystems, soil fertility, natural resources, increase biodiversity and promote ecological cycles.
The concept of Biodynamics is often attributed to the Austrian philosopher Rudolph Steiner following a series of lectures in the 1920’s.
Vineyard biodiversity programs are important for the health and preservation of its ecosystem. Pollination, biological pest control, maintenance of soil structure and fertility, nutrient cycling and hydrological processes are its focus. Improving vineyard biodiversity is the basis for sustainable farming thus minimising environmental impact and protecting flora and wildlife.
Sustainable practices are bound to environmental responsibility. Sustainable practices seek to keep and improve the balance within eco-systems for humans, animals, plants, other organisms and microorganisms. Starting in the vineyard, the protection of soil, air and water resources are paramount and within the winery, energy and resource conservation such as water are the norm.
ACCREDITATION Numerous bodies related to region/country of origin.
ACCREDITATION Numerous bodies related to region/country of origin.
Organic growers must also eliminate or minimise the use of chemical interventions in favour of using organic products and the use of genetically modified products is forbidden. ACCREDITATION Numerous bodies related to region/country of origin.
Biodynamic farming follows organic principles and has a holistic approach to farming that incorporates soil health, biodiversity, animals and the use of homeopathic plant teas to support vine health. ACCREDITATION Biggest certification body is Demeter.
Bees
and wine
No sulphur added wines
Vegetarian
& vegan wine
Natural wine
Holistic
Orange
Biodynamic Natural Resources
Environment Conservation
Organic
Viticulture
Viticulture
wine
Environment
Biodiversity No Sulphur
Responsibilty
OrganicNo Sulphur
Sustainabilty
Conservation
Viticulture Vine Health
Holistic Pollination
Organic
Responsibilty
Biodynamic Biodiversity
Conservation
Orange Responsibilty Vine Health
Biodiversity
Conservation
Natural Resources
Responsibility
Organic
Vine Health
Biodiversity
Viticulture
Environment
Organic
Pollination Conservation Organic Conservation
Pollination
Natural
Viticulture
Holistic
Conservation Environment Holistic
Organic
Holistic Viticulture
Biodiversity
Environment Responsibilty
Responsibilty
Responsibilty Pollination
Vine Health
Organic
Biodynamic Holistic Biodiversity Conservation Organic Organic
Pollination
Environment
Bees
Organic
Natural Resources
Bees
Sustainabilty
Vine Health
Environment
Vine Health
Holistic
Viticulture
Holistic
Organic Natural Resources
Sustainabilty
Organic
Sustainabilty
Holistic
No Sulphur Sustainabilty Pollination
Biodiversity Vine Health
Bees Vine Health
No Sulphur Biodynamic
Natural Resources
Organic
CERTIFICATION Label statement as natural wine has no legal definition or certifying body.
Biodynamic
Sustainabilty
Viticulture Organic
Bees
Organic
Viticulture
Pollination
CERTIFICATION GUIDE
CERTIFICATION Label statement as orange wine has no legal definition or certifying body.
Environment
No Sulphur
Responsibilty
Environment
Orange wine is made from white grapes fermented on the grape skins resulting in an amber or orange coloured wine. Natural yeasts are usually used for the fermentation process and no sulphur is added which results in some intentional oxidation leading to a different flavour profile to wines where the retention of the grapes fruit character is desired.
Biodynamic
Pollination
Vine Health
CERTIFICATION Label statement or V symbol
The history of natural wine is often credited to Jules Chauvet (1907-1989) of Beaujolais who pioneered winemaking without added sulphur for local consumption wines. Natural winemakers usually farm organically and use minimal winemaking intervention. The term “natural” though is inexact as all wines are of the land and develop in both the cellar and bottle.
Vine Health
Vine Health Natural Resources Responsibilty
Bees
CERTIFICATION Bee Friendly Logo
CERTIFICATION Label statement sometimes abbreviated to NAS.
Wine is sometimes fined to improve clarity, aroma and flavour. Trace amounts of fining agents may remain in the wine after bottling therefore a wine can only be considered vegetarian when fining agents such as casein and albumin are used. Vegan wines must be fined by carbon, bentonite clay, limestone, kaolin clay, plant casein, silica gel or vegetable plaques.
Sustainabilty
Conservation
Holistic
Sulphites are used to protect the wine from oxidation, its same use in winemaking can be traced back to ancient Rome. Because all wines produce sulphur during the fermentation process, wines naturally contain small quantities of sulphur. With healthy grapes and specific cellar techniques, winemakers can make wine without adding sulphites.
Polliination
Sustainabilty
Viticulture
Bee Friendly is a European certification label that aims to identify and promote farming systems respectful to pollinators. Certification requires the installation of beehives, prohibits the use of harmful sprays, requires monitoring of the bees’ activity to keep a check on the environmental health of the vineyards and facilitates a dialogue between winegrowers and beekeepers.
Natural Resources
Natural Resources
Sustainabilty