Difference Between Organic Wine and Biodynamic

The difference between organic wine and biodynamic wine primarily lies in the agricultural practices and underlying philosophical principles. Here’s an overview of the differences:

Organic Wine

Agricultural Practices:

• Use of organic methods to cultivate the vines.
• Prohibition of synthetic chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers).
• Use of natural treatments to protect the vines (sulfur, copper, plant-based preparations).

Certification:

• The wine must obtain organic certification from an accredited organization (e.g., the “AB” label in Europe or “USDA Organic” in the USA).

Vinification:

• Reduction in the use of oenological additives, which must be organic.
• Limitation on the amount of added sulfites.

Biodynamic Wine

1. Agricultural Practices:
   • Use of all organic farming practices.
   • Application of biodynamic agricultural principles based on the theories of Rudolf Steiner.
   • Use of specific biodynamic preparations, such as horn manure (preparation 500) and horn silica (preparation 501).
   • Integration of lunar and cosmic cycles into vineyard work.
2. Certification:
   • Certification by specific biodynamic organizations like Demeter or Biodyvin.
3. Philosophy and Additional Practices:
   • A holistic approach where the farm is viewed as a living organism, with all elements (soil, plants, animals) interconnected.
   • Enhancing soil and plant vitality through specific biodynamic preparations.
   • Strict compost management and practices aimed at harmonizing natural forces.
4. Vinification:
   • Adherence to the same principles as organic vinification, with increased attention to the wine’s vitality and energy.
   • Often, an even lower use of sulfites and other oenological additives.

Summary:

• Organic Wine: Focuses on the prohibition of synthetic chemicals and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
• Biodynamic Wine: Goes beyond organic practices by integrating esoteric and holistic principles, considering lunar and cosmic cycles, and using specific preparations to enhance soil and plant vitality.

Biodynamic wines are often perceived as even more natural and in harmony with nature, although biodynamics is sometimes criticized for its more esoteric aspects.

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