Ten great Biodynamic wines specially tasted and selected by the Decanter tasting team. The list includes Monty Waldin's wine: Monty's Red - as seen on the recent Channel 4 documentary Chateau Monty. LAST WEEK: Top 10 small bottles NEXT WEEK: Top 10 Hidden Treasures
White
La Raia, Pisé Gavi 2007
This is a young biodynamic estate. Lovely nutty aromas with some almond notes. The palate is ripe with fresh fruit; great depth of flavour on the finish. A very enjoyable wine.
Fleury Brut Champagne 1995
Jean-Pierre Fleury was the first winegrower in Champagne to convert to biodynamic. He began with three hectares in 1989 and, in 1992, he converted the entire estate. From a classic vintage, this Champagne displays some lovely evolved characters but with a subtle expression. Fine weight on the palate with some delicate fruity characters, smooth and rich on the finish.
Josmeyer, Pinot Blanc, Mise du Printemps, Alsace 2006
This family-run business has been practising biodynamic culture since 2000, convinced that it expresses both terroir and varietal character more dramatically. Elegant on the palate, it has great purity of fruit. Drink now.
Domaine Huet, le Mont Sec Vouvray 1995
Regarded as the finest producer in Vouvray, Domaine Huet has been experimenting with biodynamics for more than 10 years. Lots of minerality and purity on the nose with some honey – a true terroir wine. The palate is well-balanced with lot of complexity. Mushrooms with a minerally intensity on the finish. Very stylish.
Domiane Weinbach, Gewurtrzminer, Cuvée Theo, Alsace 2005
This is one of the best Domaines in Alsace. The Faller family has been practising biodyamic since 1998. This is a luxurious wine with a decadent nose of peaches and apricots. This wine delivers lovely concentration.
Red
Frog’s Leap Zinfandel, Napa Valley 2005
The estate is not biodynamic certified but John Williams, the owner, uses some biodynamic practices with great respect for the environment. This wine is a classic expression of Zinfandel. Lots of spicy aromas of cloves and cinnamon with some wile red berry. The palate is soft with some earthy characters and well-integrated oak. Great with food.
Coyam, Rapel Valley 2006
Made by Chilean top biodynamic producer, Alvaro Espinoza. An interesting blend of Syrah, Merlot, Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Mourvedre, this is a big, dense and rich wine with lot of blackfruit and some pepper. It has an opulent, yet fresh palate with some rounded tannins.
Monty’s French Red, Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes 2007
This is the first vintage of the new Monty Waldin‘s venture in South of France. Very expressive on the nose, lot of juicy aromas with some fruit purity. Great acidity on the palate with excellent freshness and a long finish.
M Chapoutier, (Organic & Biodynamic) Les Incontournables, Coteaux du Tricastin, 2006
Michel Chapoutier has been using Biodynamic methods for over 15 years. Intense soft fruit, with some red berry and spicy notes. Good complexity on the palate, intense black fruit with some earthy and spicy notes on the finish.
Domaine de Villeneuve, Les Vieilles Vignes, 2005
This Domaine uses biodynamic methods and is certificated by ECOCERT. Lots of bright and fruit with a spicy aromatic quality. Very attractive pepper and raspberry fruit. A modern-style wine, well made with firm backbone and vibrant fruit.
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