Gary's Green Selections (continued)

Wine made from Certified Organic Grapes

The term "organic" as used in agriculture was first coined by farmer and publisher J.I. Rodale in 1946. "Organic farming emphasizes building soil fertility on the premise that a healthy, living soil produces healthy plants which are more resistant to pests and disease and have higher nutritional value." This is achieved through methods such as cover cropping and composting to build organic matter in the soil and discouraging the use of synthetic inputs such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides and weed-killers. Within the United States, certified organic status is granted through a rigorous yearly inspection by USDA certified inspection agencies.

Wine made from Biodynamically Farmed Grapes

The term "biodynamic" as used in agriculture was coined by German philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924. Biodynamic farming starts with the same basic tenets as organic farming, then takes it one step further. Biodynamic farmers strive to create a farm or vineyard that is an entirely self-sustaining organism within the surrounding ecosystem. They achieve this through incorporating farm animals, natural soil and plant sprays, and compost preparations to enhance the plant growth and regulation. The global Demeter organization certifies Biodynamic farms world-wide. Demeter standards are generally stricter than organic standards.

Wine made from grapes grown with Biodynamic or Organic farming methods (otherwise known as "Practicing Organic/Biodynamic")

Many vineyards are taking big steps toward Organic or Biodynamic farming, but the strict requirements for official certification often take years to achieve. Often, these vineyards are in the process of converting to these methods or have chosen not to attempt certification so that they may choose when non-organic methods are necessary and beneficial.

Wine made using Sustainable methods

Sustainable farming is a self-declaration aimed at keeping social, ecological, and carbon footprint at the most responsible level possible. Methods include but are not limited to use of alternative energy sources, short distance to market and supply, local workers, minimal agricultural intervent ion, low synthetic input and any combination of organic or biodynamic methods. There is no official certification for sustainability.

Certified Organic Wine

Certified Organic Wine, confusing as this may be, is a completely different animal than wine made from Certified Organic grapes. To be labeled as a certified "Organic Wine", a bottle must be made from 100% certified organic grapes AND contain no additives, including sulfites. Sulfites are a naturally-occurring substance in many food products including wine. However, sulfites are also used as an added preservative. Most wineries add a small amount of sulfites to their wine to safeguard against oxidation and bacterial spoilage. A certified Organic Wine contains no added sulfites.

There are a number of specialized certifications aimed at specific environmental issues or local concerns. For more information on these programs, please visit the following websites:

Biodynamically Farmed Grapes
www.demeter-usa.org

Certified Organic Grapes
www.ams.usda.gov/NOP

Sustainable Agriculture
www.attra.org

Salmon Safe
www.salmonsafe.org

LIVE (Low Input Viticulture & Enology)
www.liveinc.org

Napa Green
www.napavintners.com/wineries/napa_green_wineries.asp