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19 June 2019

What’s the difference between natural, organic and biodynamic wine?

As opinions change and new health discoveries are made, people are becoming more aware of what they are putting into their bodies. As alcohol is something that many people regularly put into their bodies, it is only fitting that alternative styles of wines would be a hot discussion topic.

There are different classifications of wine, centred around how they have been produced. In simple terms, taking the most popular there is; natural wine, organic wine and biodynamic wine. All three have different techniques, certifications and guidelines associated with them - and they can be a little difficult to understand without proper explanation.

Natural Wine
Natural wine is not interchangeable with organic or biodynamic wine, as it follows different techniques and regulations. Natural wine appeals to the wine drinkers who want to appreciate the grapes in the way nature intended, with barely any human intervention. Natural wine contains organic grapes which have been farmed using biodynamic methods; and once it is in the cellar, it is left to ferment and develop itself. The wine is raw and unfiltered, something which is a bit of an acquired taste.

Organic Wine
This is a wine that has been made from organically grown grapes - which will often have been grown on a completely organic farm. Organic wine is the only type of wine that can have any type of legal certification. This means that legal bodies recognise that the wine in the bottle has been produced using only organically grown grapes and ingredients, and has been closely monitored throughout the winemaking process to ensure this.

Biodynamic Wine
A wine that has been labelled as being biodynamic has gone above and beyond the normal organic farming practices - this is due to wanting to preserve the natural balance of the entire vineyard, including the lunar cycles. Biodynamic farming practices are employed all over the world and are a widely accepted method of farming, but there is no formal verification for it.

There are extras to these wine types, such as sulphite free wine; this is a wine that has been produced with no added sulphites. Sulphites are produced naturally in wine; commercial winemakers add more in order to prevent oxidation and to maintain the freshness of the wine. Sulphite free wines want to showcase wine as it has developed naturally, without adding in anything extra.

With the current trend moving towards looking after our bodies and really understanding what we are putting into them; the natural, organic and biodynamic wine movements are gaining momentum and popularity. They allow you to enjoy a grape you know you love in a new and fresh way.