If you love to kick back with a refreshing glass of wine after a long day, here’s the scoop on something a little different - organic wine.

When it comes to understanding what organic wines are, WineAlign.com’s master sommelier John Szabo says it’s important to differentiate “wine made from organic grapes” from “organic wines.”

“The latter permits no sulphur additions in the winery, among other things, making them often unstable,” says Szabo. “Sulphur is a natural element with protective properties that when used in judicious quantities improves wine quality and longevity.”

The vast majority of organic wines are made from organically grown grapes: no synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, and fungicides are used in the growing of the grapes.

“Conventionally grown wines may use chemical fertilizers and pesticides/herbicides to protect and nourish the vines,” Szabo tells ChickAdvisor.

With growing health concerns expressed by consumers, organic wines have dramatically increased in popularity everywhere in the last decade to near mainstream acceptance.  Many Niagara-based wineries such as Southbrook, Tawse, Frogpond, Featherstone and Malivoire have all started to farm organically in recent years.

“(This proves) that even in the challenging climate of southern Ontario, naturally grown wine is possible,” he says. “I can’t think of a region anywhere in the world where there isn’t a movement to organic farming; Chile and South Africa for example, are in the process of setting up a sustainable charter of production for their entire wine industries.”



For all connoisseurs, the next time you crave a fine beverage try an organic wine instead:

* Southbrook 2008 Niagara Sauvignon Blanc (pictured) & fresh Asparagus

* 2005 Erbaluna Barolo with grilled Spring lamb chops

* Tawse 2008 Carly’s Block Riesling (pictured) & pan-seared Pickerel with fresh wild morels

by Sandy Caetano