Organically Grown
What are some of the methods used by the vineyards in growing organic grapes?
Organic farming through the use of composting, biodiversity, cover crops, natural barriers, biodegradable sprays, controlled releases of insects, and natural habitats for predators of vine pests, has achieved an ecologically, earth-friendly method of producing wine that is safe for the environment as well as healthy to consume.
Organic growers are like dedicated gardeners, they improve soil fertility by adding organic compost. The compost typically contains manure, straw, grape pumice (left over grape skins and yeast from production), wood chips from old wine barrels, and vine clippings, most of which is produced on the vineyard or procured from neighboring farms.
During the growing season, ‘biodiversity’ is encouraged which eliminates the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides. Cover crops, such as barley, flowers, herbs, and peas are grown between the vine rows to prevent soil erosion, attract beneficial insects, spiders, and predatory mites, as well as return beneficial nutrients to the soil, creating the ‘biodiversity.’
Along with the cover crops, natural barriers are planted around the vineyards to prevent accidental contamination from neighbors and provide habitat for natural predators that protect the vineyard and grapes from insects, birds and vermin. Some of the most common natural barriers found around vineyards are plum and olive trees, as well as simply permitting and assisting native vegetation to flourish, instead of non-native plants.
If problems do occur, grape growers have developed natural bio-degradable sprays that can be used, along with biological controls (planned releases of ladybugs which eat vine aphids, for example) to assist with protecting, treating, and/or fertilizing the vines, grapes and soils. Other permitted treatments include the use of salts (copper sulfate) and natural sulfur to control mildew.
The biodegradable sprays are assisted by bird and bat boxes, as well as free-range chicken and sheep, and netting placed over the vines preventing birds from eating the grapes. The boxes are strategically placed among and around the vineyards for birds and bats to nest and prey upon vineyard pests. The chickens roam among the vines dining on cutworms. Sheep graze on weeds and cover crops producing manure. The bird nets are placed over the vines keeping crows and other birds away from the sweet grapes just before harvest, instead of using pesticides.
These are just a few of the many methods used by an organic vineyard instead of the chemically produced alternative of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides. For more information about organic grape growing, please click on the link for the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
What are the benefits of drinking a wine made with organically grown grapes?
The best reason for drinking wines made with organically grown grapes is because it is simply better for you and has higher nutrient levels. Many studies are now showing that phytonutrients, antioxidants used in the plant’s defense system, are higher in organic produce. The same phytonutrients are found in wine. One such phytonutrient, resveratol know to have anti-aging and cancer fighting properties, has been found to have higher levels in organic wine as opposed to conventional wines.
According to several studies, grape production ranked the seventh highest in pesticide production. It was once believed the chemicals would not be transferred into the wine during the fermentation process. However, a recent study of 35 conventional wines revealed that on average four different pesticides were found in the conventional wines. This study has not be yet been verified by a secondary and tertiary lab to confirm the results, but why take the risk. A wine made with organically grown grapes does not use chemical pesticides; the risk of chemical residue is eliminated.
Wines made with organically grown grapes have higher safety levels than conventional wines. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sets national standards that must be met to be labeled organic. Each vineyard is inspected annually by an accredited certification agency and the vineyards must keep a detailed log for three or more years. Imported and domestic wine made with organically grown grapes must meet or exceed the USDA standards and must be certified by a USDA accredited agency.
Organically grown grapes are better for wildlife, the environment, vineyard workers and their families. Organic farming nourishes the soil with all natural nutrients, which provides the plants and the environment with all the goodness they need and prevents soil depletion. Soil erosion and chemical run off are prevented from polluting rivers, streams, and ground water. It is estimated that less than one percent of pesticides used on crops reaches the pest, the remaining 99% goes into the environment, consumed by unintended animals, and breathed in by vineyard workers and their families.
The benefits of wine made with organically grown grapes are numerous. For years other organic products have been consumed, why not continue the progression with wine made from organically grown grapes. When Mother Nature is permitted to apply only natural influences on the vine, a grape of pure flavors that reflects the vineyard more expressively is produced. Every glass matters to you and to the environment so savor the flavors and experience the true heart and soul of wine made with organically grown grapes.
- It is social responsible and eco-friendly for future generations,
- There are no chemical residues in the wine,
- Soil depletion and erosion are prevented,
- The local water supply for the community is safer and cleaner,
- Water pollution of rivers and streams are drastically reduced,
- The negative side effect of chemicals on vineyard workers is prevented and the loss of biodiversity is reduced,
- Organic farming also uses 50% less energy than conventional farming, according to the 15-year study “Farming Systems Trial” conducted by the Rodale Institute of Kutztown, Penn.,
- Fewer sulfites are needed to protect the wine from contamination and oxidation,
- It is the pure expression of terroir, a sense of place,
If a wine is labeled “100% organic”, what is the legal definition?
The USDA National Organic Program permits wine to be labeled “100% organic” if it contains 100% organically produced ingredients (yeast, grapes, etc.), contains no added sulfites and less than 10ppm of naturally occurring sulfites. A “100% organic” wine may use the USDA organic seal.
There are very few wineries that make a “100% organic” wine. The reason is without being able to add sulfites, once bottled; the wine quickly oxidizes and turns to vinegar and is highly susceptible to contamination. The few wineries that do produce a 100% organic wine typically sell the wine at the cellar doors, so consumers receive the freshest product and bottle the wine as needed to prevent oxidation and contamination.
If a wine is labeled “organic”, what is the legal definition?
The USDA National Organic Program permits wine to be labeled “organic” if it contains at least 95% organically produced and handled ingredients (yeast, grapes, etc.), contains no added sulfites and less than 10ppm of naturally occurring sulfites. An organic wine may use the USDA organic seal.
The number of wineries that produce an “organic” wine is also very limited. The reason is without being able to add sulfites, once bottled; the wine quickly oxidizes and turns to vinegar and is highly susceptible to contamination. The few wineries that do produce an organic wine typically sell the wine at the cellar doors, so consumers receive the freshest product and bottle the wine as needed to prevent oxidation and contamination.
If a wine is labeled “made from organically grown grape,” what is the legal definition?
The USDA National Organic Program permits wine to be labeled ‘made from organically grown grapes’ if it contains organically produced and handled grapes and contains no more than 100ppm (ppm = parts per million) or 0.01% of total sulfites.
Does OWTC represent any wines labeled “100% organic” or “organic”?
At the present moment OWTC does not represent wines labeled “100% organic” or labeled “organic”. The risk of not using sulfites can result in wines that are unstable and have a decreased shelf life. When a winemaker starts out with grapes from a healthy vineyard, yielding rich and flavorful grapes, the winemaker only needs to add a minimum amount of sulfites for stability and preservation. All of our wines use below the maximum limit permitted, thus guarantying you get a delicious, healthy wine every time.
Where can I find the complete Code of Federal Regulations regarding the National Organic Program and the labeling requirements for organic wine?
For a complete review please click here.
The sections pertaining to wine (205.301) and sulfite contents (205.605) are:
- § 205.301 Product Composition (c) “….made with organic ingredients”.
- § 205.605 Nonagricultural (non-organic) substances allowed as ingredients in or on processed products labeled as “organic” or “made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s)).”