Organic Wine Store Asheville, NC
Some of the best wines in the world are organic or made using biodynamic wine-making techniques. Yet these styles of wines are often easy to misunderstand. What does organic mean when it comes to winemaking, and is it better for you? We answer this question and more in this quick guide to organic wine.
What Is Organic And What Is Not?
Simply put, organic beverages make up around 12% of total organic food sales growth; organic wine in and of itself contributed greatly to that growth, matching the pace with conventional wine. But what is organic wine?
To be considered an organic product, it must be made without using prohibited substances or genetic engineering according to USDA standards. It must go through the stringent requirements of the USDA certification process and will continue to be overseen by the program.
Many wines may be advertised as natural or biodynamic, and while these often use organic practices to produce the grapes, they may not always meet the rigorous standards of the USDA. Regardless of where the wine comes from, if it is sold in the US and is listed as organic, it must meet the USDA standards.
Characteristics Of Organic Wine
For wine to be sold as organic, both the growing and fermentation must be certified. This includes making sure that:
- Grapes are grown without inorganic fertilizer
- Chemical pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides are not allowed in organic growing.
- The growing conditions should inherently preserve the soil and protect the environment
- Any additional ingredients must be certified organic
- Sulfites cannot be added to the finished process to preserve the wine or stop fermentation.
Simply put, organic wine should be more sustainable for the environment, safer to enjoy, and free of potentially harmful chemicals.
Organic Wine, Health, And Consistency
Just because something is organic doesn't mean that it is necessarily healthier for you. It simply means that chemicals and pesticides were not used. In many cases, products that are not listed as organic may be just as naturally produced, but due to the high cost of entry to get an organic certification, they are not listed.
The data behind the use of chemicals in wine production is not definitive. Sure, there are many agricultural practices that you should be cautious of that may pop up from time to time. Just be tentative about the wines that you buy and learn about the production process; that way, you can make the best decision.
Another thing to consider is that organic wines are often described as inconsistent and, in some cases, of lower quality. Due to the fact that sulfur is not allowed in most organic wines, they may not taste as fresh as conventional wines, but their flavor profile will shift and change, often enriching the experience.
Need Help Choosing An Organic Wine?
Wine is complex; there are so many different types of wine, and organic is one small branch of a wonderful tree. Navigating organic wines can be tough, and finding a wine shop with qualified experts is key to finding the organic wine for you.
At Metro Wines, we believe that enjoying wine is more than just what is in the bottle - it's about creating memorable experiences and connecting with others. When you shop with us, you can ensure that we will help you pick the best wine for you, whether it is organic, natural, biodynamic, or conventional.
Want to explore more in the world of wine? We offer a variety of events and tastings throughout the year. We even host the Asheville School of Wine, a series of classes that educate, inspire, and encourage wine knowledge in Asheville.
To learn more about Metro Wines, contact us today or come by the shop!