The differences between organic, biodynamic and natural wines

The industries are changing their manufacturing towards a more environmentally friendly solution. A trend that is on the rise. The winemaking industry is also changing the way they grow the grapes and vinify their wines, opting for eco-friendly alternatives. Today we will discuss three “green” wines alternatives: organic, biodynamic and natural wines.

What is an organic wine?

Just like any other organic product, organic grapes are produced without any synthetic chemicals that are typically used in conventional agriculture: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, that may be toxic to both consumers and the environment. If the vines require the application of any product, that product has to be natural and certified. For example, any fertilizers or pesticides used have to be 100% natural, and not chemical.

There are four companies in Chile that certify organic products, including wines. Cono Sur is certified by ECOCERT.

Organic and biodynamic wines

Biodynamic wines are also organic, but they have other characteristics. These wines are made based on the movement created by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher who proposed a form of cultivation in which variations of the lunar calendar and homeopathic medicine are combined.

This method is also sustainable and uses natural agents to nurture the vineyard and to vinify the wines. For example, guano is used as a natural fertilizer, or the clarification may be made with egg white, from animals that live within the estate. Furthermore, all the production processes, from harvest to tasting, are scheduled according to the lunar calendar.

Natural wines

Natural wines are produced with minimal to no intervention in the winemaking process and no additives, such acid correction, sulfur dioxide, or clarifying agents. They have all the attributes that could also make them fall into the category of organic wines, but the truth is that natural wines, unlike the others, do not have any type of official certification that validates their production.