Organic Wines

Maggie hosted the Organic Wine tasting at her home this month. This was a smaller group, so with less wines to get to in the evening, there was more time for conversation about tasting notes, sulfites and what makes organic and biodynamic wines.


Angela brought a 2006 Colina Verde Tinto Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain.

Made from Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes, this wine was awarded a Gold Medal in February 2007, at the BioFach Organic Foods Trade Fair held in Nuremburg, Germany.


Martha Jane brought a 2008 Villafane & Guzman Legado De Don Manuel Villafane Torrontes from Menzoda, Argantina.

After a lengthy discussion with the store owner about organic wines, she decided to try this non-organic wine which was the favorite of the tasting.


Jenn brought a 2007 Quivara Dry Creek Valley Sauvignon Blanc from Dry Creek Valley, Ca.

This vineyard became certified 100% organic and Biodynamic in late 2005 and Jenn’s wine facilitated a great discussion about organic and biodynamic certifications. (More info can be found here)


Becca brought a 2008 Familia Zuccardi Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Julia from Mendoza, Argentina.

Prodced by Argentina's largest family-owned winery, the Wine Enthusiast called this a ‘best Buy’ in May 2007.


When looking for an organic wine, it is helpful to keep in mind the types of organic wines:
100% Organic - Refers to wines that are produced with grapes that are certified 100% organically grown and do not have any added sulfites.
Organic - Refers to wines that have at least 95% of their ingredients from certified organic sources. These wines may have an additional 100 ppm of sulfur dioxide added to them.
Made with Organic Grapes - Refers to wines that have at least 70% of their grapes from organic sources. These wines may have sulfur dioxide.

More information about organic certification can be found here and information on how Organic Viticulture differs from Conventional Viticulture can be found here.