Bordeaux is a pillar of France and the Wine Industry as a whole so it is only assumed that the winemakers and governing bodies are doing everything possible to ensure a long and prosperous future. The switch to Organic and Biodynamic practices in the vineyards is key to this process and a large portion of the Bordeaux chateaux are coming on board.
On an organic level, the exclusion of unnatural chemicals in the vineyards is the first step, switching over to sulphur and copper as the tools for treating the vines naturally. For those willing to take the step further, Biodynamics is a great step in treating the vines as their own entities that require strong connections to both the earth and the people tending to them. Utilising the Lunar calendar, each stage of the growing season aligns with the moon cycles to encourage more natural growth. Cover crops, composting and increasing biodiversity within the plots are all key elements to make this happen.
What does this mean for the end consumer?
Great wines for longer! These winemakers taking up biodynamic practices are not forfeiting any quality within their wines. They have committed countless hours to understanding their terroir to draw out the best elements in the most sustainable way. Therefore you can rest easy knowing your favourite Chateau will be producing wines for decades or centuries to come.
With more and more wines moving to organic and biodynamic certifications, it urges those still behind the times to move with it too. As a whole Bordeaux will continue to lift in sustainability and quality as the years continue on, thanks to healthy competition to always treat vines in the best way possible.
A drastic uptake has occurred in the last ten years, with over 75% of the vineyard area in Bordeaux certified under an environmental scheme, compared to just 35% in 2014. Currently there are 24% fully organic with more continuing the transition.
Organic & Biodynamic Certifications:
- AB (Agriculture Biologique)
- The French organic label.
- Eurofeuille
- The EU organic seal (green leaf with stars).
- Demeter
- Directly references the Greek goddess of fertility.
- Must come from grapes grown in tune with the rhythm of the seasons and the lunar calendar.
- The soils must be cared for using natural composting and fertilisation practices.
- Biodyvin
- A wine‑specific biodynamic label created by French vinegrowers.
- Consideration of astral influences in vineyard management.
- Soils nourished with preparations made from plant, animal or mineral materials.
- Other environmental certifications:
- HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale)
- Terra Vitis
- The Bordeaux Wine Environmental Management System (SME)
- ISO 14001