What is Organic Wine?

At its most basic level, organic wine is made from grapes that have been grown without the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides. Winemaking techniques should be organic as well; little or no manipulation of wines by reverse osmosis, excessive filtration, or flavor additives (such as oak chips). Many organic winemakers also prefer wild yeasts for fermentation. For a wine to be considered truly organic it can have no sulfites added. Otherwise, it is referred to as being made with Organically Grown Grapes.

What is Biodynamic Wine?

The practice of biodynamics in viticulture has become popular in recent years, especially in Europe, particularly in France, but also in the "New World" (i.e. California, Washington and Oregon; Australia, Chile, South Africa, Canada; and, back in Europe, also in Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany). Biodynamic grape-growing stems from the ideas and suggestions of Rudolf Steiner (1861–1925). What distinguishes a certified Biodynamic farm from a certified organic farm is that, in its entirety, a Biodynamic farm is managed as a living organism. Many grape growers say they have tried biodynamic methods and found immediate improvements in the health of their vineyards, specifically speaking in the areas of biodiversity, soil fertility, crop nutrition, and pest, weed, and disease management. Winemakers claim to have noted stronger, clearer, more vibrant tastes, as well as wines that remain drinkable longer. Read more about biodynamic farming at www.demeter-usa.org.

We feature a variety of Certified Organic and Biodynamic wines here in the Wine Shop – just stop by and we’ll be glad to give you a tour!

Staff Picks and New Arrivals:

Castle Rock Cabernet, Napa Valley 2005
Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon is made from grapes grown in the Napa Valley, one of California's most prestigious appellations, where the climate and soil conditions are perfect for this important varietal. This elegant full-bodied wine has a deep ruby color, has aromas of dark cherry and molasses, and is loaded with nuance and flavor. On the palate it gives flavors of black cherry, ripe plum and spice with hints of light oak. These flavors unite to form a long, smooth and harmonious finish. This wine makes an excellent companion to beef, lamb, venison, pasta dishes and most cheeses. $13.99

Carr Cabernet, Napa Valley 2005
Aged between 20-28 months in a combination of French and American Oak, the Carr Cabernet is then bottle aged for almost a year. Sommelier Joseph Carr sources fruit from vineyards ranging from Rutherford Bench, and select sites in Napa and St Helena, including Sycamore and Boshe. Flavors of deep cherry and plum, fine cedar box aroma, dark color, and a touch of cinnamon highlight a very long finish. This Cabernet is intended for everyday enjoyment. $20.99

Seventy-Five Cabernet, Amber Knolls Vineyard, Napa Valley 2005
The Beckstoffer family moved to the Napa Valley in 1975, and Tuck Beckstoffer's love of farming and winemaking began almost immediately. After many years of working with some of the finest vineyard managers and winemakers in the world, Mr. Beckstoffer started The Seventy-Five Wine Company with the goal of crafting and providing value-oriented, hand-crafted wines that showcase wine quality, pedigree and packaging. The 2005 vintage of Amber Knolls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has bright aromas of cherries, cranberries, and roses. It leads into a deep layering of earthy spices, vanilla, and cocoa. It finishes with beautiful and youthful tannins, creating a nice balance of black cherry and spice. $19.99

Suhr Luchtel "Mosaique", Napa Valley 2005
This elegant Bordeaux blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot was created with earlier accessibility in mind. Earth, fruit, and tobacco notes show up the nose, leading to a restrained mid-palate of dried cherry, plum, and cassis, framed by ripe but moderately chewy tannins. Underlying flavors of cocoa powder, chocolate, and orange peel round out the wine through its long finish. It shows intensity and yet is smooth. $29.99