Don't panic.....it's organic!
When faced with the question of "why organic?" there is really only one answer that is complete: "why not?" Faced with the overwhelming reality of the effects of long- and short-term exposure to chemical herbicides, pesticides and mass-farming practices, it becomes more and more difficult to refute the fact that there is a better way.
That way is organic farming.
Of all crops, grapes are among the most heavily sprayed crops. Grapes are very porous and absorbent. So when you open a bottle of wine made from conventionally farmed grapes, you may getting more than just fermented grape juice. The chemicals present in the grapes don't drop out of the juice. How much and what you are getting in the bottle is unknown.
What is the difference between Certified Organic wine and wine made with Organically Grown grapes?
In order for a wine to be certified organic it must meet certain criteria from the USDA under its National Organic Program. These wines are very low in sulfites, and must contain fewer than 100 parts per million or sulphur dioxide. Wine that exceeds this minimum of sulfites content may not be certified organic by the USDA. Wine made from organically grown grapes also have strict guidelines set by USDA, but add sulfites to the wines.
What's the deal with sulfites?
The deal is this: the subject of sulfites is very, very controversial in some circles. Some argue that sulfites are essential to wine and its quality or lack thereof. Others say you can have perfectly sound and delicious wine without added sulfites. Many think both attitudes are true.
Sulfites do occur naturally and may be present in wine made from organically grown grapes, but in order to get certified as USDA organic the wine must be free from detectable sulfites.
Why should we be concerned about sulfites? There are some people who have sensitivity to sulfites, and have allergic reactions to added sulfites. So having wine that is free from detectible sulfites available in the marketplace is great, and a lot of people who may not have been able to enjoy wine are now able to..
While sulfites may or may not contribute to allergic reactions in some wine drinkers, many who purchase wine free of sulfites claim to have had no allergic reactions since their switch.
VEGAN WINE?
It has been very common for animal by-products like egg whites, gelatin, milk protein and isinglass (which is a fish by-product) to be used in the fining and clarification process of wine. Vegan wine does not use animal by-products, and instead is fined with bentonite clay, and no animal products are used at all.
BIODYNAMIC WINE
Biodynamic wines are produced with very strict standards like wines produced organically. Biodynamic wine takes the processes further and incorporates astronomical aspects like solar and lunar cycles. Unique methods of viticulture and vinification are employed to promote sustainable and self-sufficient wineries. The Demeter USA organization certifies these wines.
MORE SOON.