Organic v biodynamic wines

DiscoverVin distributes several organic and biodynamic wines. What is the the difference between organic and biodynamic wines? Are they are different to "natural" wines? 

Unfortunately due to different regulations in various countries and different agencies that enforce "the rules", it is often difficult to find universal  accepted definitions. 

However, in short.....
"organic" refers to no sprays and minimal use of sulphur, 

"biodynamic" means organic plus the use of specific production methods pioneered by Rudolf Steiner .

"Natural" means no additives whatsoever and the use of natural ferment (no added yeast or mechanical means to control fermentation- essentially fermented grape juice not intended to cellar for the long-term! 

Recently we came across a very good explanation of these terms on the wine list of the Rouge Tomate restaurant in New York City. This is a Michelin starred "Modern American" restaurant featuring local seasonal ingredients and a fantastic international wine list of mostly organic and biodynamic wines curated by sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier. This restaurant not only employs chefs but uses a "culinary nutritionist" who helps in the preparation of the dishes!

We think that their explanation of the difference between organic, biodynamic and natural wines is as good as any that we have seen, and we have reproduced it here.......

So whats all the hype about?  It is difficult to prove that organic or biodynamic wines taste better. Proponents believe that the wines taste "brighter" with better primary fruit characteristics and complexity and better reflect the terror of the site. Or in other words the practises produce more "authentic" wines. Perhaps its not necessarily the practises themselves that lead to better wines. Perhaps if a producer goes down the path of organic or biodynamic production they are meticulous and following best possible practices to produce the best possibly quality fruit from their vineyards?

Many of the producers distributed by DiscoverVin follow organic or biodynamic practises or are in the process of  "converting " to organic practise. Effectively this conversion process means that the agency granting organic status in this case, The European Commission, recognises the primary producer is now following approved pratices and after a certain number of years will be given organic status.  In France producers are given "AB" status by the Agence Française pour la Développemente et la Promotion de l'Agriculture Biologique. The producers are able to use the AB logo once they have achieved organic status. Recently they changed their logo so you will sometimes see the old one on the left (above) The new one on the right will be appearing gradually with new vintages.

The vineyards at Chateau Tour des Gendres in Bergerac. The grasses and weeds are allowed to grow, sprays. minimised, creating a vibrant natural ecosystem and forcing the grapes to compete and send their roots deep into the soils below

Our organic producers..

Chateau de Saurs (Gaillac)- converted since 2012 vintage

Domaine de l'Ancienne Cure (Bergerac)- converted since 2012 vintage

Chateau Haut Peyrous (Graves)- in conversion

Domaine Bellegarde (Jurancon)-in conversion

Chateau Bouissel (Fronton)-in conversion

Chateau Semeillan Mazeau (Bordeaux/Listrac Medoc)-in conversion

Chateau Moulin Pey-Labrie (Fronsac)- in conversion

Domaine Roche-Audran (Cotes du Rhone)

Our biodynamic producers..

Tour des Gendres (Bergerac)- converted to organic since the 2005 vintage.

Luc de Conti at Tour des Gendres supervises crushing of biodynamically produced grapes at Chateau Tour des Gendres in Bergerac

Wine Enthusiast Scores DiscoverVin Wines Highly

DiscoverVin were pleased with these scores for wines from our estates in South West France.

 WINE ENTHUSIAST is a USA based wine magazine and retailer of wine related products.

The Wine Enthusiast tasting panel consists of knowledgeable international wine critics.

The scores are for the vintages indicated.  DiscoverVin stocks wines from some of the vintages mentioned.

AOP	ESTATE	CUVEE	VINTAGE	RATING
CAHORS	CHÂTEAU HAUT MONPLAISIR	Tradition	2008	88 pts
		Prestige	2008	89 pts
		Pur Plaisir	2008	90 pts
BERGERAC	CHÂTEAU TOUR DES GENDRES	Cuvée des Conti (white)	2010	88 pts
		Moulin des Dames	2008	90 pts
		Moulin des Dames (white)	2009	89 pts
		Gloire de mon Père	2008	91 pts
		Tour des Gendres	2010	87 pts
FRONTON	CHÂTEAU BOUISSEL	Négrette	2009	89 pts
		Le Bouissel	2008	90 pts
		La Syrah	2009	89 pts
JURANCON	CHÂTEAU JOLYS	Cuvée Pauline (white)	2009	91 pts
		Cuvée Jean (sweet)	2009	90 pts
		Jolys (white)	2010	88 pts
		Jolys Doux (sweet)	2009	88 pts
	CHÂTEAU DE JURQUE	Tendresse (sweet)	2009	89 pts
		Emotion (white)	2009	93 pts
		Fantaisie (white)	2010	87 pts
GRAVES	CHÂTEAU HAUT PEYROUS	Pêche au Carrelet (white)	2009	90 pts
		Pèle Porc & Cochonailles	2009	87 pts

Discover the Wines of Bergerac

Wines from the Region of Bergerac now available in Australia.

For the first time a range of wines from the region of Bergerac are available
to consumers in Australia. These wines typify the wines that DiscoverVin are
bringing to Australia. Quality and affordable wines of character, made by
independent producers.
Bergerac wines form a regional section of DiscoverVin’s portfolio of wines
from South-West France. We have sought out three excellent producers from
the region. Each works with care and expertise to produce wines reflective of
the terroir of the region. Organic and sustainable viticultural practices are a
key feature or their approach to wine making.
The Dordogne is a popular destination with Australian tourists visiting France.
Having developed an appreciation for the wines of Bergerac, up until now
they have been unable to relive and share their vinous experiences once
home again.
Made from grape varieties traditionally associated with Bordeaux, they have
their own elegance and refined expression of fruit, soil, climate, viticulture
and wine making techniques.

DiscoverVin’s Bergerac Producers
Assiduous research and touring through Bergerac led DiscoverVin™ to our
suppliers. We found passionate individuals, working in historic locations to
make award-winning wines (e.g. Two stars in the French Le Guide Hachette
des Vins for the 2007 Domaine de L’Ancienne Cure Monbazillac 2007). Wines
from both Chateau Tour des Gendres and Domaine de L’Ancienne Cure
feature on wine lists in Michelin star restaurants in London and Paris.
Stephanie Alexander records her visit to Chateau Tour des Gendres with
Maggie Beer when immersed in the traditions and flavours of the Dordogne in
her book Cooking and Travelling in South-West France. In the book Domaine
de L’Ancienne Cure wines were marked as family favourites – especially the
sweet, lush dessert wine, Cuvée Abbaye (Monbazillac).
DiscoverVin™ has formed close professional relationships with each of our
Bergerac suppliers. Our Australian consumers can be assured of a reliable
supply chain from cellar door to our warehouse and then to their cellar.
Chateau Tour des Gendres
Luc de Conti is currently one of France’s leading white wine makers. He has
been leading the movement to adopt organic viticultural practices in France.
Chateau Tour des Gendres showcases both his viticultural and oenological
skills.
DiscoverVin’s wines from Chateau Tour des Gendres include:
Bergerac Sec, Le Moulin des Dames Blanc, 2009 A fabulous
complex and balanced Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc blend.
Bergerac Rouge, Le Moulin des Dames, 2007 A Merlot/
Cabernet Sauvignon blend with 5% Malbec, which adds to the inky
colour and the red and dark fruit flavours.

Chateau La Rayre
Chateau La Rayre is situated in the gorgeous village of Colombier in the heart
of Bergerac on the Dordogne.
Bergerac Rosé 2009 The La Rayre rosé has been popular with
DiscoverVin’s clients and this could be one of the wines of the
Aussie summer. A great wine to take to a BBQ or to the beach – it
goes with just about anything!
Domaine de l’Ancienne Cure
From renowned winemaker Christian Roche, the wines of Domaine de
L’Ancienne Cure are made with passion, attention to quality and are
considered amongst the best in the region.
DiscoverVin™ imports wines from L’Abbaye range and the L’Extase range
including:
Bergerac Rouge (L’Abbaye Range), 2008 The nose is lifted and is a
complex mélange of fruit, subtle spices including green pepper, liquorice,
prunes, black cherries and some toasty elements.
Pecharmont Sélection, Rouge, 2008 Fine tannins reflect the sandy terroir,
power without aggression, round and savoury.
Côtes de Bergerac Rouge (L’Extase Range), 2005 2005
was a great vintage across the region producing wines of great
quality and longevity.
Monbazillac (L’Abbaye Range), 2005, 500ml The Wine Review of France
called it a “remarkably accomplished wine” and “close to a good sauterne”.

Organic Wines and Soil at Chateau Tour des Gendres.

Each producer DiscoverVin visited during our recent trip to the South-West of France was eager to show us their vineyard and particularly their soil. Soil samples were on display in their offices, in their tasting rooms, and of course in the vineyard. Organic wines are produced from organic viticulture and soil quality is crucial to organic viticulture.

Organic approaches to viticulture mean the complete absence of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and fungicides in the vineyard and the winery. In America organic wines must not contain sulfites, but French producers can still use small amounts of sulfur to prevent oxidation.

Biodynamic wine is 100% organic, but the grower has taken further steps such as making their own compost and sprays following concepts originated by the 20^th century Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. The cycle of the planets and stars determine when they undertake different procedures.

Luc de Conti from Chateau Tour des Gendres adopted organic practices in his vineyards in 1994. Chateau Tour des Gendres has been a certified organic producer since 2005. He uses various strategies to organically nurture and improve his soil, his vines and hence his wines. Natural composting promotes nutrient development in the soil rather than using fertilizers or other chemical treatments. Companion planting can promote biodiversity and help the soil. Planting oats or phacelia, crops with high root penetration, promotes soil aeration and is beneficial for the roots of the vines. Deep-rooted vines are healthier and prosper as the soil is cooler, the roots are closer to the minerals in the bedrock and hence the fruit can more fully reveal the character of the soil.

Biodiversity in the soil leads to biodiversity in the vineyard. Soil insects, worms, rodents and birds live in the Chateau Tour des Gendres vineyard. As the graze, touch and land on the grape berries they deposit natural yeast, the true signature of the soil.

The wines of Chateau Tour des Gendres have changed over time, improved and changed as organic practices have improved the soil, the health of the vines and the biodiversity of the vineyard. Stonger, healthier vines means fruit that ripens to its full potential. The alcohol content of the wines has lowered – the Chateau Tour des Gendres Rouge at 12.5% alcohol is much lower than many Australian blends of the same grapes. The natural acidity of the wine has increased. Tannins are ripe and soft. The wines reflect the mineral character of the soil and flavours more fully reflect the terroir.

For Vintages from 2009 Chateau Tour des Gendres are

permitted to use the Agence Biologique logo ( AB) to signify they meet the French governmnet requirements for organic agriculutre.

Chateau Tour des Gendres leads the way in organic viticulture. With time more producers, both in France and here in Australia have adopted organic practices. The results are showing through in wines with quality and flavour. Julie Harding MW writing about organic and biodynamic wines at the 2008 London International Wine Trade Fair said “The overall quality level was high but what struck me most was the depth of flavour in so many wines; not necessarily concentration but an integrity and ‘naturalness’ of expression, the sort of flavours and textures I would compare with clothes made from natural fibres such as linen, wool, silk, even leather. Lots of character and much pleasure.”