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27 April 2020

What makes biodynamic wine different?

Especially in the year 2020, we are in a much more aware time - with drastic climate change, global warming and even meteorological chaos being household topics of conversation. We all aim in some ways to be “greener” - whether that’s shopping with reusable bags, avoiding fast fashion, recycling or eating more organic produce. 

For many of us, sustainability, supporting local businesses and companies and having a more natural approach is at the front of our minds. These practices are becoming much more widespread in the agricultural world; you might be familiar with organic farming - but what exactly is it’s weird little sister, biodynamic farming?

What is biodynamic wine?

Biodynamic wine is made with strict adherence to a set of farming principles that view the farm or vineyard as one whole organism. As such, the ecosystem functions as a whole, with each section contributing directly to the next. The idea is to help to create a self-sustaining system. Using natural materials, soils and composts in order to sustain the vineyard. Chemical intervention in any capacity is forbidden for the sake of maintaining soil fertility. A wide range of animals, from ducks to sheeps live on the soil and naturally fertilise it, which creates a natural fertile environment for the vines to grow in. Biodynamic farming wants to support sustainability, aiming to leave the land in as good or better shape than they found it for future generations. 

When did biodynamic farming begin?

The idea of biodynamic agriculture originated with Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner in the early 1920s - which predates the organic movement by a long way. Steiner encouraged the use of agricultural practices based on the lunar cycle and various astrological influences. Living and farming together with the earth and its movements, as opposed to taking a clinical scientific approach. 

How can you make biodynamic wine?
Biodynamic wine is made through the farming of all components of the vineyard as a whole entity - eliminating the need for using chemicals and instead using natural materials and composts instead. Adhering to the biodynamic calendar is another absolutely integral part of the process; sometimes these farming practices, from pruning to harvesting are controlled by the biodynamic calendar. 

This calendar breaks down the tasks that are associated with farming into four kinds of days; root days, flower days, fruit days and leaf days. Each of these days has specific tasks associated with it, that are reflective of Earth’s four classical elements; fruit days are meant for harvesting, leaf days for watering, root days for pruning and flower days for leaving the vineyard alone.