Fancy an organic Champagne, an organic Greek Moschofilero, a vegan or a biodynamic wine?
UK website everywine.co.uk has just opened a major section with 271 certified organic wines, and 52 biodynamic wines.
‘Good organic vineyard practices are built on respect for the environment,’ a note on the website says. ‘The vines are planted in a living soil of worms and bacteria. The harmony created allows the vines to draw the maximum amount of mineral elements from the soil.’
Biodynamic production – based on the theories of philosopher and spiritualist Rudolf Steiner – takes organics one step further. The winemaker tries to harmonise production with the larger environment by following lunar cycles and earth rhythms. ‘Special homeopathic sprays and herbal preparations are used to increase soil fertility,’ the website explains.
All the wines are certified by the producer country’s relevant governing body. In the UK this is the Soil Association, and the certification is enforced by the Wines Standards Board. The site’s suppliers – wholesalers Vintage Roots and Vinceremos – guarantee the authenticity of the wines.
The most expensive wine in the list is the Jose Ardinat 1995 Vintage Champagne at £299.86 the case, and the cheapest is La Mancha Organic Blanco at £56.07.
There are wines from Californian organic pioneers Bonterra, and from New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Spain and France. There are also vegan wines and vegetarian wines.
‘Organic production methods are very much to the fore at the moment. BSE (so-called mad cow disease), and foot and mouth disease have caused everyone to look very closely at what they eat and drink,’ Everywine’s Rob Pearce told decanter.com. ‘The section has only been up a week and we’re waiting to see how it grows.’
If it’s successful, they will look at more niche areas. ‘There’s a big market for kosher wines,’ Pearce said.
Written by Adam Lechmere 27 February 2002
