If you're a fan of wine, you may have heard about the terms "organic" and "biodynamic" in relation to wine. While they might sound similar, there are some key differences between the two. Organic wine is made from grapes that are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. Biodynamic wine, on the other hand, goes a step further, taking a holistic approach to farming that includes planting and harvesting based on lunar cycles, using natural pest control methods and composting. Biodynamic winemakers view their vineyards as a living organism, and believe that by treating the earth with respect, they can produce wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
One of the main differences between organic and biodynamic wine is the philosophy behind them. While both aim to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals in the vineyard, biodynamic winemaking takes a more spiritual and holistic approach. Biodynamic practices are often seen as more labor-intensive and time-consuming, as they involve following lunar cycles and planting cover crops to promote biodiversity. They also bury cow horns in their vineyards filled with different preparations. These are later dug up, infused in water and sprayed on the vines for different reasons.
Another key difference between organic and biodynamic wine is the certification process. In the EU, organic wine must meet specific requirements to be certified as organic, and must display the EU organic logo on the label. Biodynamic certification is a bit more complicated, and can vary depending on the certification organization. Some biodynamic certifications require adherence to specific practices, such as using natural preparations and following lunar cycles. Others take a more holistic approach, requiring the winemaker to consider the farm as a whole organism. Ultimately, both organic and biodynamic winemaking aim to produce wine in a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly way, and both offer unique flavors and terroir expressions. Generally, biodynamic wines are more often wild fermented than labeled organic wines and for us therefore propose a safer buy if you're looking for more low intervention wines. Also maximum amount of added sulfites is differently regulated between the two certifications, with biodynamic wines generally containing less sulfites, this of course mainly depends on the specific winemaker.