A new association of biodynamic wine producers has been formed in Chile.
The group aims to encourage others to adopt biodynamic practices, and work with scientists to validate the theories behind a method of agriculture that is still seen as contentious.
Founder member and current president of the organisation, Alvaro Espinoza, told decanter.com the group was originally founded on the advice of renowned Californian viticulturist and biodynamic consultant Alan York.
York suggested the Chileans create a study group to discuss the teachings of Rudolph Steiner, the founding father of biodynamics, and to encourage others to adopt biodynamic practices.
‘We don’t want to be a closed group,’ said Espinoza. ‘We want to make biodynamic preparations widely available, and encourage those people who take biodynamics seriously to get involved. After all, it makes sense to be open – it’s about saving the planet.’
The fledgling association is currently going under the name of Asociación de viticultores biodinámicos de Chile. Current members include Espinoza’s winery Antiyal, Emiliana Orgánicos (formerly VOE), Seña (Errázuriz), Matetic and Casablanca grower Julio Donoso. A website is being put together.
The news coincides with the launch of the first Chilean wine to have an official biodynamic certification on the label: Emiliana Orgánico’s G, a 6,000-bottle blend of Syrah, Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from Colchagua.
Written by Peter Richards
