Organic wines are gaining in popularity, writes Joe Breen
Despite alcohol and tannins being natural preservatives, most wine has had preservative added as a protection against oxidation and bacterial spoilage. The preservative used is one of a number of forms of sulphur: sulphur salts or sulphur dioxide. Depending on the country of origin, wine made from organic or biodynamic grapes can have added preservatives (the US bans them completely from organic wine). The term to look out for is "wine made from organic grapes" or variations thereof. All grapes grown using biodynamic methods are organic, but all organic grapes are not biodynamic. Generally speaking, organic production is certified by the relevant national body while the Demeter organisation certifies biodynamic production.
It takes time, effort and serious investment to move to organic or biodynamic production and this can be reflected in the price. The biodynamic movement, based upon the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, is strongest in France, particularly Alsace, but is spreading to other countries.