Organic isn’t just popular for food, the market for organic wines is growing rapidly around the world. People are switching to organic over traditionally grown wines to reap the health benefits.
Organic grape production grew 120% between 2011 and 2014 in Australia. The organic wine and beverage industry was worth $117 million in 2014 and is the third fastest-growing organic sector behind dairy and beef. There is more organic agricultural land in Australia than any other country in the world.
What Makes a Wine Organic?
To be certified organic, a wine must come from grapes that have been grown without artificial or synthetic chemicals including herbicides and pesticides. To control weeds at a winery, the winemaker may introduce cover crops for beneficial insects that help keep problem insects at bay. Battle of Bosworth Winery uses the yellow flowered Soursobs to out-compete other weeds. Some wineries use small sheep grazing around the vines to keep down the grass and weeds.
Benefits of Organic Wines
Along with the health benefits, people enjoy organic wines for the next day. The reduced sulphur content in organic wines means drinkers are less likely to feel reactions of the chemicals the day after consumption. Australian organic wines contain half the legal maximum limit of sulphur dioxide (preservative 220). The preservative is used to kill off bacteria and yeast in wines, but some people are sensitive to the preservative and prefer to avoid high quantities in their wine.
In the US, wines marketed as organic must not have any sulphites added which reduces the shelf life of organic wines.
People also like the fact that the grapes used in their wine weren’t sprayed with a potentially toxic chemical. Some argue that chemical-free grapes are better tasting and results in a delicious wine. Being organic doesn’t change the alcohol content of wines.
How Do you Know a Wine is Organic?
Winemakers are subject to proving their crop remains organic through certification. Drinkers can look for the logo of the Australian Certified Organic (ACO) or the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia (NASAA) on wine labels.
Here are a few organic wines to try for yourself:
- Battle of Bosworth Puritan Shiraz – A dark purple colour with a vibrant nose of black fruits including plum and blackberry. A medium finish with blackberry and liquorice notes which has been bottled without any added preservatives.
- Spring Seed Pinot Grigio – Light and fresh with a gentle nose of nashi pear and citrus. The silky smooth palate makes it perfect serving as an aperitif or with a meal.
- Kalleske Merchant Cabernet – a deep purple-red wine with characters of violet, blackcurrant, liquorice, cedar, clove and just a hint of dark chocolate. A medium bodied palate with fresh ripe fruit leads to subtle oak complexity.
- Cullen Sauvignon Blanc Semillon – There is a greater mix of Sauvignon Blanc than Semillon which has been picked at optimal ripeness. The wine’s complexity and completeness are enhanced through maturing some of the wine in new oak.
- Settlers Ridge Blend 51 – a light dry wine of soft tannins with hints of chocolate and nuts.
- Temple Bruer Rosé – flavours of quince paste and raspberry then orange peel plus a slight blackcurrant note. This medium weight wine finishes with a Turkish Delight flavour.
- Angove Organic Sparkling Brut – a crisp, clean but slightly nutty flavour, this Chardonnay grape sparkler has an aroma of citrus and nashi pear.
If you have any queries about organic wines or are looking for a recommendation to have with your deal, ask one of our friendly staff in-store or
online.
