NATURAL WINES: Polaner's Organic and Biodynamic Producers
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We’ve already noticed an increase in requests from customers for wines from certified organic and practicing organic (i.e. organic viticulturists who don’t go to the trouble and expense of certification) producers. In fact, for years, many serious winemakers, especially in Europe, have been implementing natural farming methods in order to maintain and revive the health of the vines and soil, particularly in response to the widespread use of chemical additives in the ‘60’s, ‘70’s, and ‘80’s. Beyond organic, we’re witnessing an upswing in biodynamic wines, which are made following the natural rhythms of the earth based on the teachings of Rudolph Steiner in the last century.
While some feel this is a bit "far out", to us it makes perfect sense. We ask ourselves, how can great wine, that is both distinctive and expressive, possibly result from fruit that’s been treated with chemicals and pesticides? Some of the most famous wineries in the world (including Coulée de Serrant, Domaine Leflaive, and many others) have been vocal advocates of natural and organic farming, maintaining that this philosophy for viticulture as well as winemaking often leads to better quality in the bottle and healthier vineyards in the long-term. This approach, they argue, allows the grapes, soil, climate and terroir to truly speak for themselves.
There’s one more reason we think these wines will soon catch on: unlike organic food, consumers don’t have to pay a premium to purchase organic wines, at least not for the wines in our portfolio. More Americans are finally beginning to embrace wine as a positive and healthy aspect of daily life. A healthy diet of more “natural foods” means more “natural wines” aren’t far behind.
CERTIFIED BIODYNAMIC
France
Bordelet, Eric
Chaume-Arnaud
Chidaine, François
Huet, Domaine
Goisot, Ghislaine et Jean-Hughes
La Soufrandière
Larmandier-Bernier
Marie-Courtin
Trapet Père et Fils, Domaine
Italy
Foradori
Ocone
Pepe, Emidio
Pian dell'Orino
Stella di Campalto
Spain
Bernabeleva (100% certified biodynamic as of 2009 harvest)
Descendientes de José Palacios
Pingus
United States
Littorai
Radio-Coteau (winery certified biodynamic; vineyard sources biodynamic/organic)
Rhys Vineyards
CERTIFIED ORGANIC
Argentina
Yellow+Blue (certified organic grapes)
Chile
Yellow+Blue
France
Domaine du Bel Air / Pierre Gauthier
Jean-David, Domaine
Pajot, Domaine de
Pattes Loup, Domaine de (certain vineyards certified, others in conversion)
Sainte-Marie, Château
Sulauze, Domaine de (certified organic, practicing biodynamic)
Italy
Boira
Calabretta
La Crotta di Vegneron
Sorelle Bronca
Spain
Yellow+Blue (certified organic grapes)
United States
Calera
PRACTICING ORGANIC AND/OR BIODYNAMIC
Argentina
Finca el Reposo (practicing organic)
France
Agrapart et Fils (practicing organic)
Andézon, Domaine d' (practicing organic)
Blanes, Domaine de (in conversion to organic)
Boulay, Gerard (practicing organic)
Bouchard, Cédric (practicing organic)
Bret Brothers (practicing organic and biodynamic)
Cormerais, Bruno (practicing organic)
Coutier, Champagne R.H. (practicing organic)
Entrefaux, Domaine (practicing organic)
Fichet, Jean-Philippe (practicing organic)
Fontaine-Gagnard, Domaine (practicing organic)
Hureau, Château de (Philippe Vatan) (practicing organic)
Lamy, Domaine Hubert (practicing organic)
Masquin, Domaine Julien (practicing organic)
Nidolères, Domaine de (practicing organic)
Pabiot, Jonathan (practicing organic)
Pallus, Domaine de (practicing biodynamic, to be certified)
Pattes Loup, Domaine de (certain vineyards in conversion to organic)
Selosse, Jacques (practicing organic and biodynamic)
Villalin, Domaine (practicing organic)
Hungary
Kiràlyudvar (practicing organic)
Italy
Barbolini (practicing organic, to be certified)
Fèlsina, Fattoria di (practicing organic; Rancia Vineyard biodynamic)
Montepeloso (practicing biodynamic)
Roagna (practicing organic)
Trinchero, Azienda Agricola (practicing organic)
Valle dell'Acate (practicing organic)
Spain
Lòpez de Heredia (practicing organic)
Olivares, Bodegas (practicing organic)
Palacios, Alvaro (practicing biodynamic)
United States
Amalie-Robert Estate (practicing organic)
Crocker & Starr (practicing organic)
Holloran Vineyard Wines (practicing organic; biodynamic Pavillon Vineyard)
Outpost (practicing organic)
Sineann (practicing organic, with biodynamic vineyards)
Varner (practicing organic)
Wind Gap (practicing organic)