Let’s talk biodynamics. Maybe you have heard the word or seen it on your bottle of wine. Some wine sales people whip the word around, but what the heck does it actually mean?
History
About 100 years ago, an Austrian philosopher named Dr. Rudolf Steiner developed a holistic method of farming known as biodynamics. In biodynamics, the farmer views the farm as an entire living being; soil, plants, animals, solar system and all. Yep, solar system. This is the part that gives biodynamics a bit of its woo-woo reputation. Farmers follow an astronomical calendar to guide them in planting, pruning, harvesting, etc.
Regenerative Agriculture
But biodynamics isn’t all stars and moon phases. It is regenerative, lively and intuitive. Biodynamic farms and vineyards typically boast a ton of biodiversity. This means that not only do they support copious different plant species, but also animals. These animals are pastured and rotated in order to harness their natural fertilizer. As they graze and fertilize the land, they are returning nutrients to the soil.
In a biodynamic vineyard, harmful, synthetic chemicals are absolutely never in the mix. Spray preparations or brewed ‘teas’ can be used to fertilize plants. Some are made of herbs and others of cow manure. The natural concoctions are steeped in water and sprayed throughout the growing area. This, along with compost preparations creates an incredible kingdom of microorganisms for the grapes to flourish in.
Notable Winemaker
Winemaker Maria Carmen López Delgado of Uva de Vida in Castilla la Mancha, Spain has dedicated her work to biodynamics. The name of her winery, which was started in 2005, translates to “grape of life”. The name is incredibly fitting, considering how her winery got started in sustainable agriculture.
While Carmen was battling a serious illness, she poured an incredible amount of care into her land. While doing so, she began to recover. “If we take care of the earth, we take care of ourselves. Life has given me a new opportunity.” Carmen and her husband farm their vineyards biodynamically and play music to the vines and in the cellar as a transfer of energy. Nothing is added to the wines and they are never fined or filtered. The result is a gorgeous wine full of bursting fruit and bright spirit.
Next time you see a label on your wine bottle containing ‘biodynamic’, know that the farmers involved in growing the grapes cared deeply for the land. By choosing those wines, you won’t be consuming chemical pesticides or herbicides. You will also be supporting a regenerative agriculture system.
A Few of our Favorite Biodynamically Grown Wines
2018 Uva de Vida 'Latitud 40' Graciano
2021 Andreas Gsellmann OMG Pet Nat
Image: Uva de Vida vineyard, courtesy of Bon Vivant Imports