Biodynamic Wine
Have you tried Biodynamic Wine?
This year we’re honoring 100 years in Biodynamic Agriculture with the international Biodynamic community. In 1996, Frey Vineyards became the first Biodynamic winery in the United States to achieve Demeter certification. Our estate-grown Biodynamic wine is fermented with the wild yeasts found on the grapes themselves.
Biodynamics 101
“Biodynamic production methods yield grapes that are very true to the living earth, the light, the warmth, and the distinct archetypal rhythms that permeate and form the fruit of the vineyard.” —Demeter USA Winemaking Standards
Biodynamic agriculture takes the organic standards we have come to trust to provide healthy nutrition and then goes a step further in caring for the land, the crops, and the soil of a place. Everything we have come to appreciate about organic viticulture is the foundation of the Biodynamic process but with an added focus on sustainability. In a Biodynamic vineyard, the focus is on the ecosystem's health, the diversity of the contributing parts, and the promotion of feedback loops within the system. Grapes are nourished by composts made on the land. Then, after winemaking, the leftover parts of the grape harvest are made into compost.
Biodynamic viticulture focuses on the health of the farm as a vital living organism. Our Biodynamic wines are crafted in harmony with the rhythms of nature and fermented on native yeasts without chemical pesticides or preservatives. As four generations of organic farmers and winemakers, we find that our care and respect for the earth are reflected in our wines’ expression of purity and true terroir.
Where does the term Biodynamic come from?
For those of you who are new to Biodynamics, the term came from the philosopher and Renaissance man, Rudolf Steiner. Best known for his lectures on how to live well, Steiner advised on all matter of topics, including agriculture. What we know as Biodynamics today has evolved, but the beginnings are in the discussions of how best to care for the soil in German over 100 years ago!
Biodynamic and Organic Similarities
While we are absolutely committed to organics and biodynamics, we do perhaps need to educate a bit about the differences. In the vineyards, the practices are both focused on maintaining a high level of purity, environmental crop integrity, and soil nourishment. Both organic and biodynamic viticulture are standing on a foundation of viewing the earth as something to build, sustain, and care for with organic and biodynamic fertilizers. When it comes to winemaking practices however, the two diverge on the point of sulfites. At present, it is important to note that not all Biodynamic wines on the market are in fact USDA certified organic!
Biodynamic & Organic Wine Differences
As mentioned in another blog post about organic wine, there are certified organic wines and wines made with organic grapes. Similarly, in Biodynamics, there are Biodynamic wines made without the addition of chemicals, and there are Biodynamic wines made with sulfites added. The Biodynamic winemaking protocols in the United States currently allow Biodynamic wine to be produced with the addition of sulfites. At Frey Vineyards however, none of our wines ever have sulfites added; so, to help you sip confidently, we have both the Demeter Biodynamic certification symbol AND the USDA Organic symbols on all our Biodynamic wine bottles, to assure you that every drop is focused on purity, from the grape juice to the finished wine.
