Biodynamic Wine

The best quality in harmony with man and nature: the philosophy of biodynamic wines in a few words. The increasing number of winegrowers using biodynamic methods is astonishing and shows impressively that the biodynamic form of viticulture is nowadays a prerequisite for first-class, authentic wines with origin and character.

The declared aim of biodynamic wines is individuality rather than average taste. Biodynamic viticulture and winemaking place high demands on the cultivation and the work in the cellar. Instead of the usual specialised knowledge of technology and chemistry, a high degree of intuition and intensive experience are required in the vineyard and cellar.

With biodynamic winemaking, nature and man are reunited: the vine as an element of our natural environment. This philosophy has also permeated the work in the cellar. Wine should be the product of the soil and the microclimate, not of chemicals or technology "laboratories"

The multitude of different chemicals and technologies allowed under European Union law and the governing states is almost unmanageable. In fact, today there is no longer any talk of wine as a natural product.

Biodynamic wine is characterised by a high level of quality by staying true to essential nature, microclimate and soil. More depth, more complexity and more freshness. Instead of the usual mass-produced product that meets the demands of the global market, you get a unique product that reflects the character of the winemaker and nature in a unique way. The soul of nature and the heart of our winemakers are reflected in the "heart and soul" of biodynamic wines.

In addition, there is an interesting phenomenon in many biodynamic wines: a high degree of stability, especially in white wines. Wines quickly lose their quality and freshness after opening. This affects not only simple wines, but also expensive vintages. In contrast, biodynamic wines have the ability to retain their quality and freshness, sometimes even beyond a few days after opening.

The diversity of plants, water, mineral and animal life is the basic guarantee for natural, healthy growth of vines and in turn leads to high quality grapes and wine. Weeds enrich the soil with nutrients and loosen it up at the same time. Karl Schnabel always emphasises how important it is to have a high level of biodiversity in the vineyard. Healthy soil produces healthy grapes and, in turn, good wines. The soil is treated as gently as possible. In some cases, horses are even used. Harvesting machines are taboo.

Only ripe and healthy grapes are harvested and processed. The end result is a product of high quality and edible wine. You can directly see, smell and taste the quality in the glass. This form of viticulture and winemaking means additional costs for the winegrowers.

On average, yields in biodynamic viticulture per hectare are about 50% to 70% lower than those of a conventional farm (with about 91 to 110 hectolitres per hectare) that uses artificial or chemical fertilisers. This clearly shows that quality cannot be achieved through quantity, but through individual commitment, effort and dedication.

Whoever wants to buy biodynamic wines should adhere to the following certifications and seals.

Ecocert is one of the world's leading independent organisations for the certification of organic agriculture with organically produced products. ECOCERT is accredited by many international organisations as well as various states as a monitoring and certification body and is subject to public law provisions, such as those regulated in the EU Organic Regulation. In Europe alone, more than 20,000 farms have been certified by ECOCERT. These many years of experience guarantee you as a consumer a high degree of trust and security in the Biodyvin wineries certified by ECOCERT.

Biodyvin is an association of biodynamic winegrowers. Its main goal is to preserve the natural balance in the vineyard without interventions such as additives or modifications. The working philosophy and principles for vineyard and cellar are laid down in the Biodyvin guidelines. Compliance is checked and certified annually by Ecocert®, for which the winegrowers must document all steps in a protocol. Biodyvin was founded in 2002 and currently consists of 39 member wineries. Under the leadership of the current president, Olivier Humbrecht, a committee meets regularly to advance the development of biodynamic viticulture and the quality of the wines.