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Dear SmartPlanet, What is biodynamic wine? Or biodynamic anything for that matter? Kim, London, UK
Biodynamic food -- and wine -- is gaining momentum in the UK -- and all over Europe -- so you're likely to see even more biodynamic produce around in the near future.
In short, biodynamic products are produced using the biodynamic farming method. This very holistic and spiritual approach to organic farming was founded by Austrian philosopher, social reformer and scientist, Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925).
Biodynamic agriculture is special, or different from conventional and organic farming, because, according to the Biodynamic Agricultural Association, "the farms aim to be self-sufficient in compost, manures and animal feeds, external inputs must be kept to a minimum. Biodynamic farmers use natural manure and quartz based preparations to improve the quality of their crops. These are sprayed onto the soil in the morning or in the evening depending on what they're good for. An astronomical calendar is used to find the best planting, cultivating and harvesting times."
There are specific recipes for herb-based preparations, including the "chamomile preparation" for stabilising plant nutrients and the "stinging nettle preparation" for stabilising nitrogen in the soil. These, together with other similar herb-based preparations, help to enhance and regulate compost- and humus-forming processes.
The Biodynamic Agricultural Association says that animal organ materials are used as containers in which to ferment some of the preparations. This is so that the medicinal properties of the herbs can be enhanced and made effective for the soil. The calendar is based on 40 years of research and takes things such as the moon's and planets' position every month and their connection with the four elements into consideration.
It might all sound a bit hippy to you, but biodynamic fans are convinced that food "from healthy soil and happy animals" is better for you.
All biodynamic farms fulfil and in some areas exceed basic organic standards, but if you shop specifically for biodynamic produce, look out for the Demeter logos, which guarantee that worldwide biodynamic production and processing standards have been met.
Many farmers' markets and some organic and health food stores stock biodynamic food and drinks, including wine.
Do you have a green shopping dilemma? Want an eco debate settled? Or want to know what a environmental buzzword really means? Email us on green@smartplanet.com and we'll do out best to help out in an upcoming Ask SmartPlanet.
04 July 2008 04:12pm
Another important standard for biodynamic wines is the limit of total sulphites to less than 100 parts per a million. For many people, this is a benefit worth finding. Wine can be made from biodynamicly grown grapes and/or can be made in a biodynamic fashion.
It doesn't means that things aren't added to the wines - perhaps a flaw in the standard. For example, Demeter allows enzymes added to the wine to enhance different characteristics as long as those enzymes aren't GMA modified.
jared brandt
www.adonkeyandgoat.com
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