What is the difference between organic, biological and biodynamic wines?

It has happened to everyone at least once to come across a bottle of organic wine and to feel bewildered by so many terms such as natural, organic, biodynamic, vegan or sulphite-free wines. Organic production processes can give rise to all types of wines - whites, rosés, reds and bubbles - but what are the differences and why choose organic wines?

What are natural and organic wines?

The term organic wine refers to wines made from organically grown grapes. Wines bearing the Organic logo in Europe must comply with the requirements of EU Regulation 203/2012, which defined the winemaking processes for these wines, encouraging the biodiversity of soils initiated by some wine producers in the 1970s. This measure also banned certain practices and substances and restricted the addition of sulphites, although still permitted. In the US, however, organic wines are defined as wines whose addition of sulphites is not allowed, so only the sulphites that naturally develop within it will be present, as in the case of these Italian organic wines 'Natyr' Insolia Terre Siciliane IGT 2016 and the Attilio Ghisolfi Extra Brut Metodo Classico Millesimato 2013.

What is the difference between organic and biodynamic wine?

Biodynamic wines are not subject to any legal regulations but follow the principles of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of holistic cultivation: as with organic wines, no chemicals are used, but in addition, the energies of the phases of the moon and planets are taken into account during the processes in the vineyard. 

Biodynamic growers are united in the Demeter International Association, which issues the relevant Demeter label. This approach to cultivation makes use of plant and animal preparations and for this reason a biodynamic wine may not also be vegan. The terms for these wines are therefore not interchangeable but can sometimes coexist, as is the case for example with Alberto Nani Prosecco DOC BIO, which is certified both organic and vegan.

Organic wines, an ethical decision

Choosing organic wines does not mean following the fashions of the moment, but making an ethical choice: ever since chemicals entered the fields after the Second World War, the quantity of harvests has been reduced and biodiversity has paid the price, with consequences for agriculture as well. Encouraging the most environmentally friendly cultivation methods also means respecting people: it is always preferable to opt for organic products. Wine is part of the varied Mediterranean diet, whose only rule is to consume a little of everything, and a moderate and conscious consumption of wine is part of a healthy lifestyle.

Organic wine production in Italy and the world

The surface area devoted to organic wines in Italy shows how this reality is now well established and constantly growing: among the regions where most organic wine is produced, Sicily, Tuscany, Apulia and Veneto are in the lead. As for the world scenario, France has the largest organic vineyard area, followed by Spain, Italy and the United States. This type of agriculture presents many challenges to producers, yet it yields products of undoubted quality and capable of transferring the best qualities of the vines and soils into the glass.

Now that you know the difference between organic and biodynamic wines, take Svinando's advice: our experts have selected the best organic wines for you!