Organic Wines: Characteristics and Quality
The world has become more conscious of both health and environmental concerns, in recent years. People are starting to learn about healthier diets, tasty and healthier alternatives to fast food, and how to save a penny or two in the process. In that spirit, we will discuss an excellent option for all wellness-oriented wine connoisseurs out there – organic wine.
Wine dates back to ancient times, and today we have a wide variety of wines to pick from for family gatherings, dinner with friends, or a fun night out.
Would you like to come across as a wine connoisseur at social gatherings?
In this article, we’ll provide several fascinating facts about organic wines and what they have to offer in terms of quality.
What affects the characteristics and taste of wine?
You’ve probably heard sommeliers use different terms when discussing the composition and the aroma and taste of fine wine. These aren’t just poetic descriptions dreamt up by creative wine lovers. Several factors influence the flavour and texture of wines.
These are even more prominent in organic wines, where there are no superfluous chemicals, or added sugars and additives, that could affect the tasting experience. The following are the factors that affect the taste and quality of the wine.
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Acidity
The climate and the type of soil in the area where the grapes are grown are the main factors that determine the level of acidity in wine. For example, wines from colder places tend to be slightly more acidic, while the acidity is lower in warm climates, giving the wine a fuller and more fruit-forward flavour.
Tannins
Another crucial characteristic of good organic red wine is its tannin content. Tannins can add to the quality of wine and its ageing potential. It all depends on the number and nature of tannins and how well they’re balanced. In other words, wines with a more robust tannic structure have a longer shelf life.
They provide the wine with the desired sense of dryness, complexity, richness, and texture. Tannins can expand into larger molecules during the maturing of wine in cellars. This affects the flavour profile and body of the wine over time.
Method of farming
Another feature that affects the flavour of the wine is how the grapes are grown. Many people will agree that organic wines taste better than those with added sulphites and chemical pesticides. Unprocessed grapes have a massive impact on the flavour of wine.
The use of genetic modification (GMO) has been fully eliminated in organic wines. Of course, some things are subjective and a matter of taste, but the difference is apparent. This means that the production method impacts the quality and flavour of the wine.
Due to the lack of pesticides and other chemicals, organic farming helps increase potassium content, organic matter, plant-feeding, and fungal feeding nematode densities and soil microbial biomass, thus improving soil quality, as discussed in a study published in Applied soil ecology. This, in turn, helps produce better tasting grapes and wine.
It also has the benefit of increasing biodiversity in the vineyard. This is an added benefit to the environment.
Sugar content
Sugar is another factor that might influence the flavour and qualities of wine – it is commonly used to alter the taste of wines when they are being made. Overly acidic wines often have sugar added to them, to artificially add sweetness.
On the other hand, organic wines contain no added sugars, which has a considerable impact on the flavour. Organic grapes release their natural sugars, making them less sweet. In moderation, organic wine is a healthier option for people looking to shed some pounds. Since there is less sugar, the alcohol level in organic wine are also slightly lower, allowing different aromas and flavours to develop.
The features and production methods of organic wine
Organic wine comes from grapes grown organically, which implies the strict application of numerous rules and criteria. If a producer wants to label a particular wine as organic, it must receive a certificate assuring that all the rules were followed. Indeed, achieving this certificate takes several years. So, organically certified wines are the mark of a winemaker committed to this for the long term.
Organic producers do not use artificial pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals when making wine, and they do not add artificial aromas to their wines. They use only natural wine production methods like adding yeast for fermentation. Artificial fertilisers and pesticides are not allowed, and land cultivation is minimal.
Furthermore, organic wines contain fewer sulphites than traditional wines. As per regulations, manufacturers need to display a warning “contains sulphites” on the label if the sulphite content is more than ten parts per million (ppm).
As per EU Organic wine regulations, the permissible limit of sulphite is as follows-
- Dry red organic wine- 100 mg per litre
- Organic white wine – 150 mg per litre
- Organic rosé dry wine – 150 mg per litre
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gained a better understanding of organic wines and their quality, it’s time to share your knowledge with friends and family. Thrill them with the fact that organic wines and Cremant can offer health benefits if you consume them in moderation.
Organic wines may sometimes come with a higher price tag, but the producers don’t cut corners and focus on achieving impeccable quality. You’ve entered a whole new world of magnificent wine where health and appreciation of nature are the most vital aspects to focus on. Cheers!
