At its core, biodynamic wine shares a fundamental characteristic with organic wine. It all begins in the vineyard, where grapes are cultivated without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. The end goal? To craft a wine that’s pure, unadulterated, and reflective of the land it comes from. But here’s where biodynamic takes a turn away from organic wine farming.
Imagine a vineyard not just as a piece of land, but as a living, breathing entity, an ecosystem of its own. On a biodynamic farm, winegrowers play the role of guides, working in tandem with nature. Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian scientist and philosopher, laid down the blueprint in the 1920s. His principles form the backbone of the Demeter Biodynamic® Farm Standard, creating the path to biodynamic certification.
In the cycles of the sun and moon, winegrowers find their cues for vine growth, pruning, and harvest. It’s a production orchestrated by nature, not dictated by market trends. Hand labor reigns supreme in the vineyard, developing a connection between the caretaker and the vines.
Biodynamic farming doesn’t stop at the vine. It promotes a thriving ecosystem, where herbs, clover, and wild grasses intermingle with the vines. This biodiversity serves a purpose beyond aesthetics and a good story. It complements the soil, attracts wanted insects and birds, and nurtures a thriving community of soil microorganisms. Resulting in rich, fertile topsoil that promotes life into the vineyard.
Biodynamic vineyards are self-sustaining, living organisms. They generate their own vitality, circumventing the need for external composts or fertilizers. Instead, winegrowers turn to a stockpile of “preparations” – concoctions crafted from onsite plants and animal manure. In this delicate ecosystem, even the chickens lend a helping beak, gobbling up pests and providing fertilizer. This leaves out the additives that are in commercially produced wines.
In the world of natural wine, biodynamic farming stands as a testament to the potential of harmonious coexistence. It’s an invitation to experience wine not just as a beverage, but as a narrative woven by the land, the sun, the moon, and the humans who humbly guide the process.
