Organic wine: Characteristics, production methods and differences with traditional wine
Organic wine: Characteristics, production methods and
differences with traditional wine
In the heart of sustainable viticulture, organic wine emerges as an emblem of quality and respect for the environment. The result of careful agricultural practices and conscious winemaking, organic wine stands out for its superior organoleptic characteristics and its positive impact on the ecosystem. In this article, we will explore the foundations that make organic wine a preferred option for consumers and winemakers: from cultivation techniques that exclude synthetic chemicals to winemaking strategies that enhance its purity and authenticity. A journey from the vineyard to the glass, discovering the characteristics of Dafne Bio DOC Piemonte Barbera, the first organic wine from Cantine Povero. We will learn how every drop of organic wine tells the story of a commitment to excellence and sustainability.
What is organic wine?
Organic wine represents the pinnacle of sustainable winemaking, made exclusively with grapes grown following the rigorous principles of organic farming.
This cultivation method excludes synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers, preferring natural solutions that favor biodiversity and ecological balance.
The legislation governing the production of organic wine imposes strict standards to ensure that every step of the process, from cultivation to winemaking, complies with responsible, quality-oriented environmental practices, ensuring environmental protection and consumer well-being. In addition to limiting the use of chemical substances, these regulations emphasize the importance of production methods that preserve the integrity and natural characteristics of the grape, reflecting a commitment not only towards environmental sustainability but also towards high-quality wines with authentic aromas. Since these wines have a low histamine content, they are suitable even for people sensitive to these substances.
How do we make organic wine?
The production of organic wine begins with the cultivation of grapes in vineyards certified according to the rigorous standards of organic farming. This approach excludes the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers, instead favoring natural methods that promote the health of the soil and vines. The grapes are harvested by hand or with specific machines that do not damage the vines, guaranteeing the integrity of the fruit.
In the cellar, winemaking favors the use of indigenous yeasts, naturally present on the grapes or in the cellar environment, which start fermentation spontaneously. This choice supports the philosophy of minimal intervention and maximum expression of the terroir.
The addition of sulfites is reduced to the bare minimum, well below the limits imposed for conventional wines, to preserve the naturalness of the product and minimize potential unwanted effects on the consumer.
This process, from the vineyard to the glass, is regulated by specific certification standards, ensuring the consumer the transparency and authenticity of the chosen wine.
What are the characteristics of organic wines?
Organic wines have different characteristics depending on the grape variety, the climate, and the soil on which the vines are grown. These factors, along with sustainable agricultural practices, create more balanced and complex wines than their conventional counterparts. Organic viticulture techniques exclude the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, favoring natural methods that maintain the balance of the ecosystem and promote biodiversity. This approach not only improves the quality of the soil and environment but is also reflected in the organoleptic qualities of the wine, often offering a superior taste and richer sensory experience. Since organic wines are generally low in histamine, they are accessible to people with sensitivities to these substances. They often follow vegan production practices, excluding animal products in winemaking.
The organic wines of Cantine Povero
All 55 hectares of vineyards belonging to the Povero family are certified organic, but Dafne Bio Piemonte DOC Barbera is Cantine Povero’s first certified organic wine. The daughter of Mother Earth and the Peneus river, Daphne was an attractive nymph who loved her freedom.
The Povero family dedicated Cantine Povero’s first certified organic wine to this beautiful mythological creature, enticed by its delicious aromas of red fruits and lavender and its bright and intense red color. Fresh, juicy, and pleasant, Dafne Bio Piemonte DOC Barbera is the perfect wine with agnolotti stuffed with meat or savory pie with spinach.
Differences between organic and biodynamic wines
Biodynamic wine represents a specific category within organic wines, produced following the rigorous principles of biodynamic agriculture. This method goes beyond the simple exclusion of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, typical of organic farming, and integrates practices that consider the farm a living and interconnected ecosystem.
Biodynamic agriculture aims to create a dynamic balance between soil, plants, and animals, using biodynamic preparations – often composed of herbs, minerals, and organic compounds – to stimulate soil fertility and promote vine resilience.
Beyond this, biodynamic practices follow the lunar and planetary calendar to determine the optimal times for planting, pruning, and harvesting grapes, aiming to work in harmony with cosmic forces. The resulting wine reflects respect for the environment and the purest expression of its terroir, often offering remarkable complexity and depth of flavor.
How to recognize organic wines
To recognize an organic wine, in addition to a specific logo on the label that certifies its compliance with organic production regulations, it is crucial to note some distinctive characteristics linked to the flavor and aromatic profile. Organic wines tend to have a unique gustatory purity and unmistakable character, with a significantly higher concentration of antioxidants thanks to the absence of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in viticulture. These wines often feature more intense and lively aromas, reflecting the true essence of the terroir.
The attention to sustainability and quality throughout the production process results in wines that respect the environment and offer a richer and more authentic tasting experience, with more intense fruit and earthy notes than conventional wines.
Why you should choose Cantine Povero organic wine
Dafne Bio Piemonte DOC Barbera is a fresh, fruity, and vibrant wine. The exclusivity of the aging in steel, without any influence deriving from the wooden barrels, enhances the potential of the grape variety, safeguarding the purity of the red fruits and the pleasant acidity typical of Barbera. The moderate tannins and marked freshness make this wine versatile in food pairings, giving us pleasant sensations even with spicy and fish-based dishes, traditionally accompanied by white wines. On warmer days, you should refrigerate this delicious wine.
Dafne Bio Piemonte DOC Barbera is the result of constant care and respect for our land and can give you pleasant sensations, immersing you in the beauty of Piedmont. Furthermore, Cantine Povero wines are certified vegan, as they are not filtered or clarified with animal proteins. Finally, they are sustainable from a social, environmental, and economic point of view, respecting the Equalitas standard.
Campagna finanziata ai sensi del reg. UE n. 1308/2013