Organic, Biodynamic and Natural Wine – What’s the Difference?

Wine enthusiasts often come across terms like “organic,” “biodynamic,” and “natural” when browsing the shelves or sipping at a trendy wine bar. While these labels may seem interchangeable, they represent distinct philosophies and practices in winemaking. If you’ve ever wondered what sets them apart, this deep dive into organic, biodynamic, and natural wines will help you make sense of the differences and appreciate the unique qualities of each approach.

Organic Wines: A Commitment to Chemical-Free Viticulture

Organic wine starts in the vineyard. The primary focus of organic viticulture is to avoid synthetic chemicals, including pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, and instead rely on natural alternatives to maintain soil health and vine resilience.

Key Aspects of Organic Winemaking:

1. No Synthetic Chemicals: Organic vineyards use natural compost, cover crops, and integrated pest management to control weeds and pests without relying on synthetic sprays.
2. Soil Health & Sustainability: The emphasis is on nurturing a healthy microbiome in the soil, encouraging biodiversity, and maintaining long-term vineyard sustainability.
3. Certification: Depending on the country, organic wines must meet certification standards, such as those set by the EU Organic Wine regulations, the USDA Organic label, or the UK Soil Association.
4. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) Limits: While organic wines allow for the use of sulfites (a preservative that helps prevent spoilage), they must adhere to lower limits than conventional wines.

Organic wine is a great choice for those who want a product made with minimal intervention in the vineyard and limited synthetic additives. However, organic certification doesn’t necessarily mean that no additives are used in the winemaking process.

Biodynamic Wines: A Holistic and Cosmic Approach

Biodynamic wine takes organic principles a step further by incorporating holistic farming methods and spiritual philosophy. This approach was pioneered in the 1920s by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner and is based on the idea that the vineyard is a self-sustaining ecosystem that follows cosmic rhythms.

Key Aspects of Biodynamic Winemaking:

1. Lunar and Celestial Influences: Biodynamic farmers follow a calendar that dictates when to plant, prune, and harvest based on moon phases and planetary alignments.
2. Biodynamic Preparations: Homeopathic sprays, such as cow horn manure (preparation 500) and silica (preparation 501), are used to enhance soil fertility and vine health.
3. No Synthetic Chemicals: Like organic wine, biodynamic wines prohibit synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers.
4. Whole-Farm Biodiversity: Biodynamic farms integrate animals, composting, and polyculture to create a self-sustaining environment.
5. Certification: Demeter and Biodyvin are the primary biodynamic wine certification bodies.

Many biodynamic winemakers believe their wines express greater terroir characteristics and vibrancy. Some skeptics view the spiritual aspects of biodynamic farming as pseudoscience, but even critics acknowledge that biodynamic farming practices often lead to healthier vineyards and higher-quality wines.

Natural Wines: Minimalist Winemaking in Its Purest Form

Natural wine is less about certification and more about philosophy. It embodies a low-intervention approach that aims to let the grapes and terroir shine through without excessive manipulation.

Key Aspects of Natural Winemaking:

1. Hand-Harvested Grapes: Most natural winemakers avoid mechanical harvesting, preferring traditional hand-picking methods.
2. Native Yeast Fermentation: Instead of adding commercial yeasts, natural winemakers rely on indigenous yeasts from the vineyard and winery.
3. No Additives: Unlike conventional wines, which can include up to 70 permitted additives, natural wine typically contains no added sugars, acids, or artificial enzymes.
4. Minimal or No Sulfites: Many natural wines are made without added sulfur dioxide, though some winemakers may use tiny amounts for stability.
5. Unfiltered and Unfined: Natural wines often appear cloudy due to the lack of filtering and fining, preserving more of the wine’s natural character.

There is no official certification for natural wine, but groups like Vin Nature and RAW Wine set informal standards. The movement is growing in popularity among wine lovers who appreciate raw, expressive, and sometimes funky flavors that deviate from the polished consistency of conventional wines.

Comparing the Three: A Quick Guide

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you prioritize environmental sustainability and want a certified, low-impact wine, organic wines are a great choice.
• If you’re drawn to holistic, ecosystem-focused farming with a bit of cosmic influence, biodynamic wines may appeal to you.
• If you love the idea of wine in its most unadulterated, raw form, natural wines might be your ideal match.

Ultimately, the best way to find your preference is to explore and taste. Whether you lean towards organic, biodynamic, or natural, these wines all share a commitment to sustainability and authenticity in winemaking. Cheers to discovering your perfect pour!