Organic, Biodynamic and Natural Wine: Differences and Benefits

Here we explain how to differentiate between organic, biodynamic, and natural wine.

Organic wine, focused on its agriculture

In recent years, wine has been transformed in many ways, adopting new forms of production that reflect a growing concern for sustainability and the environment.

Today, it is common to find organic wine in the supermarket, but other categories have also emerged such as biodynamic wine and natural wine, each with its own practices and philosophies.

This new way of producing wine not only seeks to reduce environmental impact, but also to offer the greatest expression of terroir in every bottle. In this article, we explain the differences between these types of wines and why it's important to know them when choosing your next bottle.

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This type of wine is the easiest to find today. Organic wine is produced from grapes grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or synthetic fertilizers. Organic winemakers employ natural methods to manage pests and diseases, such as using compost, biological control, and crop rotation.

This approach not only seeks to protect the environment but also to reduce the presence of chemical residues in wine, offering a healthier option for consumers. It's important to note that this wine is only organic in its agricultural process; it does not certify the post-harvest process.

Biodynamic Wine: The Vineyard as a whole ecosystem

Biodynamic viticulture is based on the ideas of the philosopher Rudolf Steiner and goes beyond organic practices. It considers the vineyard as a complete and self-sufficient ecosystem, following an agricultural calendar based on the phases of the moon and planetary cycles.

In addition, they apply special preparations made from plants and minerals that are fermented in a specific way and used to enrich the soil and strengthen the vines.

This method aims not only to improve wine quality but also to create a natural balance in the vineyard, promoting biodiversity and the health of the surrounding ecosystem. Certification can be obtained through Demeter standards.

Natural wine, minimal intervention with no added additives

This type of wine is perhaps the least known, but it has gained popularity in the last decade in modern bars with contemporary concepts. Natural wines are produced with minimal intervention, both in the vineyard and the winery. This means that, in addition to being organically or biodynamically cultivated, no sulfites or other additives are added during winemaking.

Fermentation occurs spontaneously with natural yeasts, and the wine is neither filtered nor clarified, seeking the purest and most authentic expression of the grape and the terroir. This allows the consumer, as its name suggests, to experience the wine in its most natural state.

Organic, biodynamic, and natural wines are distinguished by their production methods, which reduce the use of chemicals and artificial additives. This reduction in the use of synthetic substances is not only better for the environment but also results in beverages that are potentially healthier for long-term human consumption.