Biodynamic Wine

Biodynamics was born in the 1920s under the impetus of Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian philosopher. He was the first of many to reflect on this theme, which highlights the link between man, nature and cosmic rhythms. German researchers and winegrowers such as Ehrenfried Pfeiffer and Maria Thun have also tried to prove the validity of biodynamic viticulture.

THE DEFINITION OF BIODYNAMICS

Biodynamics is a farming method that prohibits the use of synthetic products (herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, etc.) and, above all, aims to create a harmonious ecosystem between man and nature. Soil and plants need to be receptive to what man can do to strengthen and protect them: the influence of the earth using biodynamic vineyard preparations and the influence of the sky using the lunar calendar to know when, how and what to plant.

Biodynamic products, such as biodynamic wine, are certified as organic wines. Some people also refer to biodynamics as an advanced form of organic farming. There are two main labels: Demeter, the benchmark label, and Biodyvin, which is adapted to the specific characteristics of the vine and the wine-making process.

BIODYNAMICS, THE LUNAR CYCLE AND NATURAL PREPARATIONS

Biodynamic agriculture takes into account the strong influence of the moon on plants and, more broadly, on life on earth, as it strengthens life in the face of disease. We talk a lot about the moon because its cycle is so specific, but the solar system is considered as a whole when producing biodynamic wine or any other biodynamic agricultural product. Certain days are favourable for planting, while certain periods are best avoided. This is a cycle to which a biodynamic winegrower pays a great deal of attention to encourage healthy growth. Natural preparations based on cow dung and medicinal plants are widely used in biodynamic viticulture, in cow horns buried directly in the vineyard, to be sprayed on the vines to nourish and protect the soil and/or plants.

THE BEST BIODYNAMIC WINES

Château La Baronne, Domaine Olivier Pithon and Domaine Léon Barral are among the leading biodynamic producers. Indeed, the vineyards of Languedoc are increasingly turning to biodynamic practices. However, the wines of Domaine Muré in Alsace, Domaine de Beaurenard in the Rhône Valley and Jo Landron in the Loire Valley are also worth discovering. In the south of France, too, winegrowers are working hard to make their vineyards biodynamic: Château Romanin in the Alpilles, Château Barbanau in Cassis and Domaine Abbatucci in Corsica.