Biodynamic wine

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Biodynamic wines are those made using the principles of biodynamic agriculture. In most cases, however, one speaks of wine made from biodynamic grapes, rather than of biodynamic wine. Increasingly these are becoming known as BD wines.

The practice of biodynamics in viticulture (grape growing) has become popular in recent years, especially in Europe, particularly in France, but also in the "New World" ie California and Oregon, Australia, Chile, South Africa, Canada and, back in Europe, also in Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany.

Like biodynamic agriculture in general, biodynamic grape-growing stems from the ideas and suggestions of Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925), who gave his now famous "Agriculture Course" in 1924, predating most of the organic movement. The principles and practices of biodynamics are based on his spiritual/practical philosophy, called anthroposophy, which includes understanding the ecological, the energetic, and the spiritual in nature.

Many grape growers claim to have tried biodynamic methods and found immediate improvements in the health of their vineyards, specifically speaking in the areas of biodiversity, soil fertility, crop nutrition, and pest, weed, and disease management. Winemakers claim to have noted stronger, clearer, more vibrant tastes, as well as wines that remain drinkable longer. Critics say that many of these improvements would have happened if organic farming was used, without the mysticism involved in biodynamics. Nonetheless, there is an upsurge of interest among grape growers worldwide and in the media, with a number of very high-end, high-profile commercial growers also converting to biodynamic practices.

As a practical method of farming, biodynamics embodies the ideal of ever-increasing ecological self-sufficiency just as with modern agroecology, but arrives at this goal via ethical-spiritual considerations. Intention, focus on detail, inner attitude and so on, are valued as part and parcel of mastering excellence in grape growing and wine making.

[edit] References

• Monty Waldin, Biodynamic Wines ISBN 1-84000-964-0
• Nicholas Joly, Wine from Sky to Earth: Growing & Appreciating Biodynamic Wine ISBN 0-911311-60-2
• Paul Howard "Biodynamic Bibliography". Extensive list of books and papers/articles on biodynamicsWine Alchemy
• Paul Howard "Biodynamic Directory". Listing of Biodynamic wine producers worldwide Wine Alchemy