Weekly Saturday Tasting

Biodynamic Wines

Saturday, February 4th
1:00 - 3:00

At this point, we expect that most wine drinkers have encountered organic agriculture in their wine world, whether through a wine that is certified organic, or just made with organically grown grapes, but many people are less familiar with biodynamic agriculture. Biodynmics are somewhat like organics on steroids, encompassing all of the tenets of the later but then taking even further steps. The official definition of biodynamic farming according to the Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association is “a spiritual-ethical-ecological approach to agriculture, gardens, food production and nutrition.” Biodynamic wine is made with a set of farming practices that views the farm or vineyard as one solid organism. The ecosystem functions as a whole, with each portion of the farm or vineyard contributing to the next. The idea is to create a self-sustaining system. Natural materials, soils, and composts are used to sustain the vineyard. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are forbidden for the sake of soil fertility. A range of animals from ducks to horses to sheep live on the soil and fertilize it, creating a rich, fertile environment for the vines to grow in. Biodynamic farming also seeks sustainability, or leaving the land in as good or better shape as they found it for future generations. It also can go beyond basic organinc farming in the spiritual side, taking in elements of the lunar calendar, astrology, and other somewhat ritualistic ideas. But does Biodynamic Wine taste any different? The goal would certainly be to produce wines just a delicious as you would find by other farming methods, and maybe the knowledge that the grapes were grown in a very sustainable and ecologically responsible manner could affect your perception of the wines. The only way to know for sure is to come taste some! We've invited our good friend Greg Pfaender of Authentique Vin, who have many of our favorite biodynamic wineries in their portfolio, to come a pour a selection of favorites. We hope you can join us Saturday!

Frédéric Mabileau 'Hypnotic' Pétillant Naturel
Loire Valley, France, 2021

Jo Landron 'Le Clos la Carizière'
Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie, Loire Valley, France, 2020

Clos Troteligotte 'Délit-K' Malbec / Cabernet Franc
Vin de France, 2019

Elian Da Ros 'Ce Vin Est Une Fête'
Côtes-du-Marmandais AOC, France, 2020