Buzzwords, buzzwords, buzzwords, sustainable wine is a buzzword. We hear them all the time on TV, social media, and TikTok. Everywhere we turn, there’s another new one we have to learn. Organic, clean, sustainable are all buzzwords we’ve become used to when talking about food. But what about sustainable wine?
What exactly does it mean in the wine industry?
In a sustainable vineyard, farmers can instill certified organic and biodynamic practices in their sustainable winegrowing. Additionally, sustainable farming is all the rage from Paso Robles, California to Australia. But does that truly mean the wines produced in sustainably farmed vineyards are sustainable? Let’s explore!
What exactly are we talking about?
First, it’s probably good to ground ourselves in what sustainable farming means. Essentially, it’s a farming approach which puts the environment first. Farmers will attempt to use the absolute minimum of chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and other elements which have long-term negative effects on the soil, the crop, and even on humans.
Rather than going cold turkey and getting rid of them all together, timing of when they are used is the primary focus. Instead of a set schedule for spraying or spreading the chemicals, farmers time applications to when they’ll have the most impact such as fungicides after significant rains or stretches of humid days. It’s a very thoughtful approach rather than a predicable approach.
One additional element is the conservation of resources from water to energy. Sprinkler systems which spray excess water, often where it’s not even needed, resulting in high levels of evaporation and waste, are being replaced by better processes. Drip irrigation, where each vine in the vineyard has its own drip nozzle offering just the right amount of water at just the right time, is expensive to install, but exceedingly more sustainable in the long run.
Sustainable Wine goes beyond the vineyard
Now for the good stuff – sustainable wine! Being grown in a sustainably farmed vineyard is obviously a great start. But let’s take it one step further into wineries. It’s amazing how much equipment, energy and water go into wine-making.
Most wine needs to be temperature controlled to achieve the desired style. Too hot and fruit flavors turn overripe and uninteresting. Too cold and the wine will taste like candy! Many winemakers are turning to classic vessels such as concrete which naturally maintain more constant temperatures.
Stainless steel tanks with temperature controls are the most precise, but also the most energy draining. I’m not suggesting eliminating them, but a balanced winery management plan can lead to a more sustainable approach overall.
Sustainable wines are not a specific grape variety like Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc, nor are they a particular wine category such as red, sparkling, or natural wines. To understand how sustainable wine is made you do not have to read countless books, seek out industry experts, or obtain a certification in sustainability.
Instead, sustainable wine is thoughtfully created by farmers and winemakers passionate about improving the land. I’ve highlighted several of these “sustainability heroes” in previous blogs, such as my favorite source for Spiritual Wine, Wet Jacket in New Zealand. More and more winemakers are finding ways to produce beautiful wines while keeping Mother Earth in mind.
If you’re like me, you’ll truly appreciate their efforts in the vineyard and in the bottle!
Never miss another exciting post – get on the list today! SIGN ME UP!
Cheers! Kristi
No, sustainability is not the same as Organic. There are several certification bodies for sustainability including “Sustainable in Practice” along with many U.S. state specific certification bodies. Organic is a separate certification, for example USDA Certified Organic, process with specific actions, goals, and regulations to closely follow. Additionally, Organic certifications specifiy which chemicals, pesticides and other fertilizers which cannot be used.
Absolutely!
Sustainably making wine does not negatively influence the flavor. The style is ultimately driven by the winemaker’s decisions from vineyard to bottle.
