When organic wines began to appear on the wine market, the main consumer question was to choose between organic and conventional wine. Now, the offer is so vast that we have to choose from organic wines, just as we choose from different conventional wines. But do we choose a wine from organic farming like we choose a traditional wine? Here are 9 criteria for choosing your organic wine .
The organic label
By definition, an organic wine meets the specifications of the AB label. This assures you of wines from organic farming , whose grapes are grown without chemicals or pesticides.
The French organic label then bears the white letters AB on a green background, while the European organic label presents a sheet of white stars on a green background.
To go further in the environmental approach, you can also turn to biodynamic wines , which carry the Demeter label or the Biodyvin label .
Other labels highlight efforts in favor of sustainable development, such as Terra Vitis or the HVE label.
The reputation of winegrowers
If the world of organic wine and biodynamic wine has long been limited, today it is expanding, and certain names of vineyards and producers are becoming references.
You can then take an interest in the wine estate and the winemaker , in order to choose an organic wine from approved know-how , whether through your own experience, or through favorable opinions.
The wine region
A wine from organic viticulture is chosen like a conventional wine. In other words, you must rely on your personal taste to select your red wines, white wines and rosé wines. And the typicality of a wine often comes from its wine-growing region .
You can then turn to wines that you are used to drinking, or choose bottles of wine from regions that you do not yet know. Each one then has its own characteristics.
The variety of grapes (grape variety)
The specificity of organic wines also depends on the grape variety used by the winemaker. Here again, it's a matter of referring to your personal tastes. If you like light red wines, for example, it is recommended to look at organic wines made from Merlot or Pinot Noir. If you prefer powerful wines, you can opt for a wine made from Syrah or Grenache.
The type of organic wine
This may seem obvious, but one of the first criteria to take into account is the type of organic wine . You can, depending on your desires, choose a white wine, a red wine or a rosé wine. But you can also choose between a still wine and a sparkling wine.
The price of a bottle of organic wine
Contrary to what one might believe, an expensive organic wine is not necessarily excellent. It all depends on your expectations, the emotions it will arouse in you, and the price of organic wine will not really have an impact.
On the other hand, it must be recognized that organic wines are more expensive than conventional wines, because the winemaker's work is more complex, and the manufacturing cost is higher.
Organic food and wine pairing
To choose a bottle of organic wine, you can also take into account the dish it will accompany . A light organic wine will be particularly interesting as an aperitif, or with white meat. If you want to serve wine with red meat, a dish with sauce, cheese or cold meats, it is better to turn to a more powerful wine.
The vintage of organic wine
In a classic choice of wine, the amateur also takes into account the vintage , in other words, the year of harvest of grapes from organic farming. You can then choose an important date in your life (birthday, wedding, etc.), but you can also refer to the best vintages of recent years, to ensure a quality wine.
Adding sulphites
Some people seem more sensitive than others to sulfites, which can cause headaches. And if organic wines limit phytosanitary products, the addition of sulphites is not prohibited. It may therefore be interesting to check if the organic wine is without added sulphites . Remember that there is no such thing as a wine without sulfite, since sulfur dioxide is naturally present in wine.
Likewise, a wine without added sulphites is not necessarily an organic wine.
Bern: an organic vineyard in the heart of Provence
The winegrowers of the Domaine de Berne are truly passionate about the Provençal terroir and wine . It is therefore logical that the vineyard switched to organic farming in 2021 , in order to respond to an environmental approach and meet the values of the estate.
Scrupulously meeting the specifications of the organic label, the estate's wines are fresh and tasty, and wonderfully reflect all the power and originality of the Provence terroir.
And to go even further in its commitment to the environment and to healthier consumption, the Berne estate is also HVE level 3 certified , thus meeting environmental, but also social and economic, requirements.
Organic winemaking responds to increasingly strong expectations to take care of the planet and our health. In this approach, the Berne estate produces quality organic wines every year, reflecting the terroir and the know-how of the winegrowers.
