Organic Wine

I've been asked on a few occasions to write about organic wines.  Well, here are a few notes that may be helpful.

Organic wine is wine that bears the USDA organic seal.  It must be made from grapes that are grown organically and give information about the certifying agency. It cannot contain any sulfites, although it may have some naturally occurring sulfites.  Wines grown with organic grapes but not considered organic wine, on the other hand, can contain added sulfites. Keep in mind it is difficult to have no sulfites in wine since it is a byproduct of fermentation. There are three basic categories to look for:

• 100% Organic (wines made with 100% certified grapes), 

• Organic (wines that have at least 95% of ingredients from organic sources), 

• Made with Organic Grapes (wine that is, at least, 70% organic).  

 The second and third categories of  wine can contain added sulfites. 

Why drink organic wine?  

Well, unfortunately, grapes are one of the most sprayed crops grown.  Many wine lovers are interested in finding alternatives to conventional wines.  Organic wines may be healthier, more flavorful, have greater local (terroir) character and sometimes may be less expensive.  It is certainly worth the effort to try some organic wines to see what you think.  For starters you can try wine from some of the following producers:

Ecowine.com may be a place to start. They offer some interesting buys and seem committed to the organic process.

Benziger Family Winery is a California based winery that has for over thirty years used biodynamic, organic and sustainable farming methods to produce their wine.

The Organic Wine Company offers a sophisticated and intelligent site that is both educational and consumer oriented. You can order wines from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, California, New Zealand, Argentina and Chile. It's worth the visit.

Organic Wine Press attempts to make shopping for organic wines simple and easy. They offer organic wines from around the world. The wines are all Organic and No Spray. Gift baskets can also be ordered. 

There are many, many more organic wine alternatives. I've only listed a few that may be good starting points for you.

For those of you who want to read about organic wines and issues pertaining to them the Organic Wine Journal may be just up your alley. The Journal offers wide ranging articles about organic wines, wine growing and other issues focused on the organic wine experience.

In the end, don't neglect the fact that wine tasting is for pleasure. Whether the wines are organic or conventional, drink those that you like. Don't sacrifice taste for ideology. I'm sure you will find a good organic wine if you take the time to look. Fortunately, today's market supports a very wide range of accessible organic wines. 

Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir 2007

I picked this wine up at Young's Fine Wines in Manhasset.  Kim Cladwell recommended it as a very reasonably priced Pinot Noir.  It is from Jim Clendenen, a well-respected vintner in Santa Barbara County.  I recall that the price was somewhere in the upper $20 range.  But I'm not sure of the actual price.

Jim Clendenen started Au Bon Climat (a well exposed vineyard) in 1982 after being an assistant winemaker at Zaca Mesa and then spending time in both Australia and France.  Au Bon Climat, under Jim Clendenen, is known for excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.  Germany's leading wine magazine, Wein Gourmet, in 2004 named Clendenen “Winemaker of the World;” and in 2007, Jim was inducted into the James Beard Foundation’s “Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America.”  You can read about the vineyard and Jim Clendenen on his excellent web site.

My tasting notes show that this wine is a great entry-level Pinot Noir.  It is very well balanced with a silky smoothness that is very appealing.  It has nice plum notes, level acidity and a fullness in the mouth without being syrupy. It is pleasingly dry.  I found myself really enjoying every taste.  It's a classy wine that shows itself above most wines at this price range.  I give this a very high rating.  It's nice to have a Pinot Noir that is inexpensive but gives the "feel" of the more expensive labels.  Give this one a shot or more like a glass full. Thanks Kim.

Portuguese Red: Vale Do Bomfim

On this Blessed Easter 2010, Mary picked up what was to us an unknown Portuguese red wine, Vale Do Bomfim 2007 from the renowned Douro Valley.  Mary had decided to go with a rich baked ziti for the main course at dinner.  A nice hearty red seemed to be a natural as an accompaniment.  I wasn't sure what to expect having never imbibed this particular wine.  Before getting into the tasting notes perhaps a little background is in order.

Vale Do Bomfim is produced by the Symington family.  The Symingtons have been a major producer of Portuguese port wine for many years.  The family can trace its port producing history through 13 generations.  In addition, they manage two major wineries, Bomfim and Sol in Portugal's Douro Valley.  The family history is of interest. I suggest you go to Primium Famillae Vini to read a fascinating history of the family and its commitment to quality wine.

The wine itself is a blend of five Portuguese grapes:  Tinta Barroca (58%), Tinta Roriz (15%), Touriga Nacional (14%), Tinto Cao (8%), and Tinta Amarela (5%).  I decanted for about an hour.  I will try a longer process next time around.  This blend of grapes is very satisfying and a fine accompaniment to the baked ziti.  It has a deep, pleasing red color, nice legs, and a nose that is full but short.  It is sensually seductive with a slight astringent whiff at the top.  The taste is of strong red cherries and berries and an assertive spiciness.  The spice was not dominant, however. At one  point, I thought I noted both the aroma and taste of chocolate. It is well structured with good tannins.  The overall sense is of balance and solid medium body.  It feels good in the mouth, not too big, not too small but does come in at a hefty 14.5%.  My only criticism is that of the other red Portuguese wines, they lack a certain complexity that would put them in a class with the world's great wines.  Having said that, I totally enjoyed the blend and look forward to future purchases.  It is a bargain, as so many Portuguese wines are, at about $12.00 a bottle.

This is a winner.