Cover A wine bottle resting on grapes harvested from a Tuscan vineyard (Photo: Getty Images)
A wine bottle resting on grapes harvested from a Tuscan vineyard (Photo: Getty Images)
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Organic, biodynamic, and natural— we explore what these terms mean in the world ever-changing world of wine
The hardest decision you’d once have to make about wine proved between glasses of red, white, or sparkling. As we all shift our attention to making more informed diet decisions, the vineyard, the sort of grape, its fermentation process, and most importantly, whether the bottle has a cork and you have a corkscrew now come into play when making a choice.
A colloquial term for eco-friendly alcohol consumption, eco-drinking is steadily planting itself in the centre of sustainable dining discourse.
Winemaking processes are becoming important considerations when picking out bottles. The shelves of bottle shops and wine bars are no longer lined with conventional Shirazes and Cabernets but instead skin contact oranges brimming with sediment or crisp Pét-nats, typically marked with one of three terms—organic, biodynamic, and natural.
We’ve broken these categories down into an easy-to-understand guide, complete with recommendations to help you incorporate more sustainably crafted varieties into your collection, expand your palate, or simply ease your confusion the next time you venture into a wine bar.
Read more: Wind down after a long day at these natural wine bars
Organic Wine
Above Bottles or organic and low intervention wine (Photo: Instagram / @3sparkswine)
Bottles or organic and low intervention wine (Photo: Instagram / @3sparkswine)
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What classifies a wine as organic comes down to the grape-growing process and the cultivation techniques of vineyards. Organic farming is vehemently against the use of chemical pesticides and artificial fertilisers, relying on natural pest-control and compost as fertiliser.
The production of organic wine entails a process free of sulphite and sulphur dioxide-based preservatives. Some wines that are classified as organic can be crafted from organically grown grapes, made without preservatives, or feature both processes depending on the winemaking regulations of different regions.
Above Barale Fratelli Barolo Cannubi DOCG 2015 (Photo: Vyne)
Barale Fratelli Barolo Cannubi DOCG 2015 (Photo: Vyne)
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Barale Fratelli Barolo Cannubi DOCG 2015
Nebbiolo grapes from Italy give this red its distinct ruby hue and complex profile of smoke, tar, dried rose, and cherry. This wine is on the drier side and acidity-forward, which makes it great for ageing.
Domaine Ricardelle De Lautrec Nature Chardonnay 2020
Earthiness and unconventional accords define this Chardonnay. Exemplifying the art of subtlety, this white house hints at yellow fruits and brims with warmth, yeastiness, and mineral notes.
See also: Are plant milks sustainable?
Biodynamic Wine
Above Two bottles of biodynamic wine (Photo: Instagram / @dandelionwineshop)
Two bottles of biodynamic wine (Photo: Instagram / @dandelionwineshop)
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Attributed to the esoteric beliefs of Austrian philosopher and architect Rudolf Steiner, biodynamic viticulture or grape cultivation goes beyond pesticide-free and compost-driven organic farming. The production process revolves around astrological calendars, treating the earth and soil as sentient, living entities.
Planting, harvesting, and bottling depend heavily on lunar cycles and astrological configurations, with fertiliser only being applied during specific times of the year. This farming method ultimately views vineyards as ecosystems and works to improve the natural biodiversity of soil through homeopathic remedies (fertilisers) developed by Steiner himself. Medicinal plants like chamomile and valerian can often be found alongside biodynamic grape vines to ward off pests and treat soil.
Some vineyards that utilise biodynamic growing techniques have noted improved soil fertility, plant nutrition, and disease management, with some going so far as to herald these methods for producing consistent grape yields and flavour despite ever-evolving climates. Biodynamic wines typically house cleaner and brighter tastes, showcasing terroir and produce better than conventional varieties.
Above Arianna Occhipinti wines including SP68 Bianco 2022 (Photo: Instagram / @minibar.paris10)
Arianna Occhipinti wines including SP68 Bianco 2022 (Photo: Instagram / @minibar.paris10)
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Arianna Occhipinti SP68 Bianco 2022
A dry organic and biodynamic white wine from Sicily, Albanello and Moscato de Alejandría grapes give this bottle a unique sunniness. Its profile of pear, citrus, and minerals make this ideal to pair with brunch or to liven up an al fresco dining experience.
Above DB Schmitt FKK Rosé 2021, a biodynamic rosé (Photo: Vyne)
DB Schmitt FKK Rosé 2021, a biodynamic rosé (Photo: Vyne)
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DB Schmitt FKK Rosé 2021
Handpicked Dornfelder and Portugieser grapes and gently pressed before being fermented with wild yeast to produce this biodynamic rosé. This citrusy wine and its profile of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries shines best when served chilled alongside charcuterie.
Natural Wine
Above A collection of natural wine (Photo: Instagram / @stephwangg)
A collection of natural wine (Photo: Instagram / @stephwangg)
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The poster child of eco-drinking, natural wine has gained notoriety in recent years amongst casual drinkers and wine connoisseurs. Conventional wineries in France leave some of the largest carbon footprints, leading those who prioritise sustainable diets to shift towards natural wine. Crafting natural wines is an ancient, time-honoured process, seeing vineyards revert to the days before technical intervention.
Organic or biodynamic grapes are typically handpicked before being fermented with native yeasts. Little to no sulphites are added to natural wine as these preservatives can bring fermentation to an abrupt halt, as they do in conventional bottles.
Natural wine is inherently funkier and gamier because of this, often appearing cloudy. Much like biodynamic wines, natural wines do better at highlighting regional terroir and the flavour profile of each grape variety than their conventional counterparts.
Don’t miss: Wine Crush: What Is Pét-Nat And Why Should You Be Drinking It?
Above Two Lucy Margaux wines, on the right being its light red Syrah (Photo: Instagram / @mywines_official)
Two Lucy Margaux wines, on the right being its light red Syrah (Photo: Instagram / @mywines_official)
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Lucy Margaux Light Syrah 2021
Syrah and Gamay grapes come together in this magenta tinted red. Sweet, but not cloying, notes of plum and dark berries are spiced with black pepper to make a wine ideal for the daytime.
Above Matthias Warnung Potato Land Gruner Veltliner 2021, a natural orange wine (Photo: Instagram / @lukas.diemling)
Matthias Warnung Potato Land Gruner Veltliner 2021, a natural orange wine (Photo: Instagram / @lukas.diemling)
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Matthias Warnung Potato Land Gruner Veltliner 2021
An orange wine made with Grüner Veltliner grapes, this natural variety is brimming with texture from its skin contact maceration process. Undeniably bright and fragrant, it houses notes of orchard fruits and honey.
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About
Chelsea is a Dining Writer for Tatler Malaysia. When she’s not eating or writing about eating, she’s probably deciphering which oat milks froth the best for homemade flat whites.
Work
Chelsea writes about where to find great food and is passionate about exploring the cultural significance of different cuisines.
