Why You Should Be Drinking Organic Wine

The demand for organic products has risen in the past decades due to the growing awareness of the harm caused by artificial fertilizers, pesticides, or chemicals. Concerns have reached the wine sector, resulting in a yearly 10% increase in organic wine consumption in the United States. 

However, you may have a few questions about what precisely organic wine is. How is it better than conventional wine? What are its benefits? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Organic Wine?

For a wine to obtain organic certification, it should meet certain regulations. These regulations vary from country to country. Aspects such as the farming and production process are closely monitored.

Essentially, any organic wine must be made from organic grapes. Organic farming is free from toxic chemicals, which are often used in conventional vineyards to kill insects or weeds that could damage the vine and grapes. The use of pesticides presents a problem because residual chemicals may end up in the wine.

In contrast, organic vineyards aiming to protect their vines will use natural sprays made out of natural ingredients. They also introduce sheep to their farms to get rid of weeds. 

Later, during the winemaking and fermentation phase, the “specifically allowed” ingredients cannot be more than 5% for the wine to be considered organic. Furthermore, organic winemaking forbids GMOs, coloring agents, concentrate wine additives like Mega Purple, and flavoring agents like malic acid and caramel.  

Is Organic Wine Better for the Environment?

Organic wine farming and production utilize environmentally friendly practices that respect the natural ecosystem. Organic vines use less water because their compost has more organic matter that holds water better, stopping excessive water use. 

Furthermore, organic vines better resist higher temperatures and droughts. They also do not contaminate the water supply due to toxic chemicals. 

Also Read: Wine Pairing Tips for Beginners

What Are the Health Benefits of Organic Wine?

Since it has fewer artificial chemicals, organic vines can better represent the grape and terroir. Organic farming is also said to produce healthier grapes with higher concentrations of beneficial anthocyanins and antioxidants, including polyphenols and cardio-friendly resveratrol. 

Among some of the health benefits of organic wines are:

• Fewer sulfites. Also known as sulfur dioxide, sulfite is a chemical commonly used to extend the shelf life of foods and drinks. Winemakers use it to prevent wine from going stale. Organic wines use at least half the number of sulfites as non-organic wines. 
• Less sugar. Added sugar can be present in many wines, especially wines on the lower end of the price scale. Sugar is added after fermentation to increase alcohol levels or mask its poor quality. Organic wine contains do not have added sugar, allowing you to appreciate its natural flavors and aromas without the added calories. 
• Fewer hangovers. This is due to the absence of harmful artificial additives. However, if you drink in large amounts, even organic wine will not save you from waking up with a headache. 

Learn more about organic wines by joining our exclusive membership program. You can enjoy our hand-selected range of small-batch Italian wines that can transform any meal into a celebration.