Biodynamic wine tasting in Europe! What could be better?

Imagine strolling through vine-covered rolling hills. Touring centuries-old cellars. And winding through narrow passageways in ancient medieval hilltop towns. That’s wine tasting in Europe. It’s romantic and enchanting. Think chateaux, manicured gardens and river cruises – each an experience that pairs beautifully with biodynamic wines that sing out of the glass. You’ll feel like you’re starring in your own fairy tale.

Even better news is that biodynamic wine in Europe is making a comeback and the results are delicious. This is not airy-fairy hippy wine. Au contraire! Biodynamic wines are snapping up awards and are stealing the hearts and palates of even the most critical wine snobs. In 2006, Decanter Magazine bestowed Ms. Leflaive of Domaine Leflaive in Burgundy the honor of making the best white wines in the world. Besides, presidents have been known to consult the stars before making important decisions. So, why would it ever be odd for growers and wine makers to consult the cosmos and cycles of nature to grow the best grapes to make award winning wine?

Either way, biodynamic wines have irrevocably entered the luxury market and appear on Michelin starred restaurant wine lists. Why? Well, who wouldn’t want all of the delicious flavor and romance of fine wine without the morning after headache from sulfites? No headache? That’s certainly my fairytale ending after a three-hour wine pairing dinner.

So, why is biodynamic wine (presumably) better?

According to Adam Morganstern, editor of the Organic Wine Journal, “Biodynamics is special because it looks at the vineyard as its own ecosystem. They have a variety of plants and animals. They consider how the water flows. They think about how to attract beneficial insects to the vineyard and they strive to keep the soil healthy. A biodynamic farmer might say, ‘organic farming’ simply does no harm, whereas biodynamics actually improves the health of the vineyard.”

Daniela Paris, author of six books on wine and a wine educator in Rome at Comptoir de France waxes poetic on biodynamic wines. She says, “It’s about respecting and developing a relationship with the soil. We are what we eat and drink. You feel and taste the energy of the grape and the soil. A wine producer is an artist that transfers the secrets of the soil into the glass. The soil wants to tell a story. And the wine you make from it passes on that story.”

Marco Amato, sommelier and director at the Michelin-stared restaurant IMÀGO in Rome’s historic Hassler Hotel notes that “About five years ago, there was a tipping point and more customers were asking for biodynamic wines, especially whites. For all the enjoyment, but less of a headache. This health trend is global. But biodynamic wine was already a part of our culture as it used to be. We have invented nothing but returned to natural cycles. It’s important to remember that we are a part of the solar system.”

Nikki Wooldridge, a private wine broker and level 3 sommelier who specializes in small vintage biodynamic wines, says, “While in Provence, I’m learning about astrological farming at Les Verveines de Vaison, where they use a calendar of weather patterns, moon cycles, eclipses, and the stars to decide when and what to plant. It’s fascinating how well everything grows when it is in harmony with the cycles of nature. Amazing wines are coming from biodynamic vineyards and the wine industry is taking note – even Chateauneuf du Pape!”

Are you ready to taste delicious biodynamic wines?

While France’s Loire Valley, Burgundy, Languedoc, and Alsace are certainly the forerunners in biodynamic wineries, you’ll also find delicious must-try producers in Italy, Germany, Austria, Hungry and even Slovenia. Take note, biodynamic wineries aren’t so much in Tuscany and Bordeaux. If in doubt, look for the Demeter symbol on the bottle that authenticates the wine as biodynamic.

Here is a list of amazing and some award-winning biodynamic wineries where you’ll experience all the romance and pleasure of wine tasting in Europe.

Burgundy, France 

Domaine Leflaive

Domaine Rossignol Trapet

Rhone Valley, France

Domaine Montirius

Domaine Dieulefit

Domaine DeMarcoux

M. Chapoutier

Alsace, France

Domaine Marcel Deiss

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

Domaine Josmeyer

Domaine Dirler-Cadé

Loire Valley, France 

Château de la Roche aux Moines

Provence, France

Château de Roquefort

Château Margüi

Château Léoube

Domaine les Fouques

Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Domaine d’Aupilhac

Domaine Cigalus

Domaine des Mathouans

Domaine Saint-Julien

Italy 

Azienda Agricola COS

Slovenia 

Movia Rebulla

Curious?

If you’re tasting biodynamic wines for the first time here are some recommendations from the experts to get you started. Both Daniela Paris and Adam Morganstern recommend Fleury Champagne. While Adam is a fan of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht for whites and M. Chapoutier for reds. Daniela suggests Domaine Vacheron Sauvignon Blanc and Rossignol-Trapet for Pinot Noir. Marco Amato adds that for an adventure in biodynamic wines, let your sommelier guide you through the perfect pairing. And that you can definitely age biodynamic wine.

Endnotes: It was most interesting how what began as a simple discussion of biodynamic wine almost always transcended into a discourse on humanity. How we are all connected. And how when we flow with nature’s cycles, it’s a delicious co-creative experience. So, drink up. And santé!

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Image of wine via Shutterstock and friends drinking wine via (C) Atout France/Joėl Damase

The post Here’s Why You Need to Go Biodynamic Wine Tasting in Europe appeared first on EcoSalon.

Indulge in the sweet luxury of sparkling wine while celebrating with one of these eco-conscious producers. It takes a lot of water to grow grapes, a lot. In fact, the wine industry has been harshly criticized for its negative environmental impact. Finally, some producers are working to offset their impact by switching to eco-conscious packaging and growing organic grapes.

Wines come from all over the world. France has historically been the gold standard but New World regions like South Africa and Argentina are gaining cult followings. Americans are drinking more wine than ever because wine is now more accessible. More consumption has lead to a call for re-evaluating the ways in which wine is produced. Many wineries, like the 11 examples below, are switching to organic grapes, recycled oak barrels and eco-conscious packaging.

There are many different classifications such as organic, GMO free, and biodynamic, each label governed by a single organization that sets the standards. Opinions differ as to which method is the best, but here is a list of 11 wonderful sparkling wines produced by wineries that are conscious of their impact on this earth.

1. Veuve Clicquot Naturally Clicquot Brut Yellow Label (pictured top)

The champagne masters at Veuve Clicquot redesigned their packaging last year so that it’s eco friendly. The new project, called Naturally Clicquot features biodegradable packaging on their classic orange-labeled bottles.

2. Pommery Brut Royal

Pommery is a well-respected Champagne producer and their commitment to environmentally friendly bottles garnered a lot of attention.

3. Domaine Carneros Brut  

Domaine Carneros was the first sparkling winery to be certified by California Certified Organic Farmers in 2008. Domaine Carneros also boast the largest photovoltaic solar array of any winery in the world.

4. Fleury Pere & Fils Champagne Brut Rose De Saignee

Founded in 1895, Fleury was the first Champagne producers to use biodynamics.

5. Sedlescombe 2010 Rosé Brut

The only British producer on our list, Sedlescombe are committed to producing organic wine and their sparkling wine has received critical acclaim.

6. Korbel Organic Brut

The most popular and widely available organic champagne in the US is definitely this delightful champagne from Korbel.

7. Perlage Prosecco Soraloc 

Perlage is especially commited to biodynamic and organic wines. Their various Prosecco wines have won countless awards and Soraloc is the first organic Prosecco DOC with the screw cap.

8.  Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Rose de Saignee Premier Cru Brut 

Larmandier are committed to preserving the soil. From their site: “Consequently, our vines are cultivated with respect for the terroir (ploughing, which favours deep-reaching roots and preserves the life of the soil) and respect for the balances of the plant throughout the growing period. In this way, the yields are naturally moderate and the wine shows its appreciation, through both its structure and its maturity.”

9. Crémant d’Alsace, Albert Mann

A crémant is the name for a sparkling wine made in the traditional Champagne method outside of the region of Champagne in France. The Mann winery produces one of the best. Dry and citrus-driven, with yellow plum fruit, it does best with a light chill. Organic.

10. “Prosa” Frizzante Rosé, Meinklang – 2013

The color is so alluring on this sparkling rose! Biodynamic and organic from Austria. A note from the producer: the Michlits family of the Meinklang farm live and exist within a complete agricultural and viticultural project. Meinklang is a unique entity; for more than 20 years, when Anneliese and Werner took over their family farm, they have sought a close coexistence with nature. After ten years of organic cultivation, they have come to embrace biodynamic principles of diversity as completely as one can. The pride of the farm is a herd of Angus cattle, which provides fertilizer and as well source of income.

11. Galetto Sparkling Rosé, Colli della Murgia

A pretty sparkling wine with a copper hue that will work well as an apéritif wine or as the wine for dinner. This Italian producer is certified organic and this sparkling rose is not hard to find.

Most of these wines are availalbe online and many in stores around the US. If you want to make it easy on yourself, sign up for the Eco Vine wine club and have organic wines delivered to your door.

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