What is organic wine?
Organic wine is a wine that has been prepared from grapes that have been grown in accordance with the rules of organic farming practices, which disallow the use of any kind of synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilisers. The use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers is strictly prohibited in organic vineyards.
The production of organic wine has a history that is both ancient and traditional. There is no accurate information on who created organic wine or when it was invented. However, according to some sources, European commercial organic wine production began in the 30s in Germany. At that time, there were no government rules for wine production.
However, most countries now have rules controlling wine production, and each nation has a different way of defining “organic wine.”
Organic wine production, processing, labelling, and importing in Europe are all governed by European regulations. Since 1991, this regulation has been in force, and it was updated in 2008. These regulations ensure that wines meet strict organic certification standards.
Is organic wine better for your health?
Yes, organic wine is comparatively better for your health. Despite the fact that it still contains alcohol, organic wine is much better for our health than non-organic wine since it is free of synthetic pesticides and other artificial chemicals.
The organic farming process is the reason it is better for our health. Sulphites in wine are used more in conventional wine than in organic wine.
Although sulfites are an excellent preservative, they can have detrimental health effects. Asthma sufferers are particularly susceptible to this chemical.
Sulphite allergies are uncommon in the general population but are more prevalent among hyperallergic individuals. In certain situations, sulfites are regarded as a dangerous chemical for allergy sufferers.
After consuming food or a drink containing sulphites, it may cause breathing difficulties, sneezing, throat swelling, hives, and migraines.
In traditional wine, chemical pesticides are used in the farming process, which is very detrimental to human health and the environment. These compounds have the potential to cause cancer. Organic wine has a lower alcohol and sugar content, so a hangover from organic wine isn't as bad as a hangover from regular wine.
Is organic wine sulphite free?
Yes, pure natural wines are sulphite-free. However, organic wine does not have to be completely devoid of sulphites.
Some organic wines often contain fewer sulphites, and regulations control the maximum level allowed. In general, white wines have a higher sulphite content than red wines, and sweeter wines have a higher sulphite content than dry wines.
Sulphites in wine are a kind of preservative used in food. They are present in all wines to some degree. In the winemaking process, sulphites are widely used to stop fermentation at a certain point and to prevent spoiling and oxidation. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) protects wine against oxidation and germs.
In the United States, any organic product, including wine, cannot include any extra sulphites. However, in the EU, sulphites may be added to organic wine, but only in specific types.
Some wine-producing nations do not have their own organic wine laws regarding the usage of sulphites and instead follow the criteria of the country buying the wine.
In the United Kingdom, if a bottle of wine contains more than 10 ppm (parts per million) of “sulphur dioxide or sulphites,” the bottle's label must state “contains sulphites.” On the label of certain organic wine bottles, you will notice percentage figures like:
100% Organic:
This indicates that the wines are made from grapes that have been certified as 100 percent organically cultivated and that no sulphur dioxide has been added.
Organic:
This term refers to wines that are made with at least 90-95% organic components, especially chemical-free grapes.
Sulfur dioxide may have been added to these wines at a very low level.
Made with organic grapes:
This means that the wines include at least 70% organic grapes. These wines may contain sulfur dioxide and are not certified as “organic wines.”
6 benefits of organic wine
Here are 6 benefits of organic wine:
1. Has a good taste
Organic wines are often thought to taste worse than regular wines, but this is not true.
The taste is quite similar, and in some cases, organic wine is more flavourful than non-organic wine.
2. Good for your health
In organic winemaking, no sulphites or artificial chemicals are used, or just a small amount of sulphites is utilized.
As a result, it is better for our health than conventional wine.
3. Less sugar added
Organic wine has little or no sugar.
The sweetness originates from the grapes themselves, reducing the risk of diabetes and improving overall health when enjoyed in moderation.
4. Better for the environment
Organic farming practices are healthier for the environment since no synthetic chemicals are utilized.
Organic vines' soils are grown with compost, requiring less water and making them more drought and heat-resistant.
5. Promoting the best agricultural practices
Organic wine is produced using ecological or biological farming methods, governed by laws.
Non-organic farming, on the other hand, is harmful to the environment.
6. High demand and profit
Organic wine's popularity has transformed the wine business. It is a profitable business for winemakers.
Organic wine makes up 3.6% of all wine consumed worldwide. This percentage is now 5% in the United Kingdom.
By 2022, this will have almost doubled, with organic wine accounting for 9% of overall wine consumption in the UK.
The differences between organic wine and conventional wine.
There are several differences between organic and conventional wine. Some of them include:
Farming:
Organic wine is produced in accordance with organic or biological principles. On the other hand, conventional wine can follow any kind of farming method.
However, most of the time it does not adhere to biological agricultural practices.
Grapes:
For organic wine, only 100% organic and chemical-free grapes are allowed. But conventional wine grapes are processed with artificial chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides.
Yeast:
Native or natural yeast is deployed in the fermentation of organic wine in the United States. Non-native yeast is permitted in Europe.
On the other hand, conventional winemaking has no regulations for yeast, and most of the time, non-native or cultivated yeast is used.
Sulphites:
Organic wine has a low or no sulphite content. Sulphites are used in conventional wine to control fermentation and as a preservative.
Healthier:
Organic wine is a lot healthier than regular wine.
Sugar:
There is no need for added sugar in organic wine. But conventional wine requires added sugar and artificial chemicals to improve its flavour.
Environment:
Organic farming is completely suitable for the environment. Conventional farming is not fully environmentally friendly.
Price:
Due to higher manufacturing and labour costs, organic wine is somewhat more costly than conventional wine.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, organic wine is the best choice for wine lovers. You should try organic wine if you haven't before.
It provides a bunch of beneficial aspects and is better for you and the environment.
However, we must keep in mind that this is an alcoholic beverage. Drinking any kind of wine should be done in moderation.
Also, you should look for organic wine that is sulphite-free.
You may be concerned about where to get the best organic wine. You can easily get organic wine at most supermarkets around you.
However, if you're seeking the best online store to purchase organic wine from home, The Wine Caverns will be the best solution.
We sell branded and exclusive organic wines in the categories of red, white, and rosé wine at a reasonable price and it’s delivered straight to your door.
