Biodynamic wine is produced using specific farming methods that treat the vineyard as a living organism connected to the cosmos. It is made from grapes grown without synthetic chemicals and follows unique biodynamic principles, with no specific strength mentioned.
How it is made
Biodynamic wine production begins with grape cultivation using only organic fertilizers like compost, avoiding synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and mineral fertilizers. Special preparations numbered 500-508 are used, including cow horn manure (500) and powdered quartz (501), along with various herbal preparations applied to compost or fields. All vineyard activities are scheduled according to lunar cycles, believed to enhance the connection between the vineyard and cosmic forces.
History
Biodynamic farming began in 1924 when Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner introduced his approach to 'nature-appropriate land use.' While Steiner initially believed biodynamics couldn't be applied to wine production due to alcohol, Nicolas Joly became the first to receive official certification for biodynamic winemaking in 1988 and later published 'Wine from Sky to Earth,' considered the 'bible of biodynamics.'
Types and styles
Biodynamic wines are produced in various styles across different regions. Notable producers include Domaine Leroy in Burgundy, France; Gravner in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy; Jean François Ganevat in Jura, France; Movia in Goriška brda, Slovenia; and Nicolas Joly in the Loire Valley, France. These wines can range from still to sparkling, red to white, following traditional winemaking methods but with biodynamic certification.
Sertification
For wine to be labeled as biodynamic, both the vineyard and winery must be certified by authorized organizations. The most recognized certification bodies include Demeter, Biodyvin, and respect-BIODYN. Certification requires strict adherence to biodynamic standards throughout the entire process, from grape growing to winemaking, with specific restrictions on additives and processing techniques.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Биодинамическое виноделие, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.