Pageant Organic and Biodynamic Wines - Organics and Biodynamics

The finest choice of
Organic and Biodynamic Wines

Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be kept informed of special offers and news from Pageant Wines. To subscribe simply click here.

What Makes A Vineyard Organic?

The quality of an organic wine (even more than for a non-organic wine) starts in the vineyard. The principal characteristics of organically grown grapes are the lack of chemical residues. If you add to that low yields in the vineyards, you not only improve the quality of the grapes, but also improve the sustainability of the vineyards as the vines are naturally more resistant to disease. Organic regulations therefore prohibit any kind of treatments with synthetic chemical products (herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers). Instead of chemical fertilisers, the vineyards are treated with green composts (organic material recycled from composted cellar residues and shredded vine shoots) which maintain the soil's balance.

In organic vineyards, the living soil (which is full of worms and bacteria) allows the vines to draw up essential minerals, which improves the health of the vine. Cover crops are planted between the rows to provide habitats for natural predators such as beetles, spiders, insects and birds that control unwanted pests. If spraying is required, approved biodegradable mixtures and natural salts may be used.

These treatments can represent an increase in cost of around 10% over and above the cost of conventional viticulture. But this is a small price to pay to drink great tasting wine grown without unnecessary chemicals (which can often be tasted in non-organic wines).

Why is Biodynamic Different?

Biodynamic agriculture is the oldest consciously organic approach to vineyard management and is one of the most sustainable in existence. It is sometimes referred to as 'premium organic' as it takes organics a step further by approaching the vineyard with a holistic and spiritual understanding of the larger environment. Based on pioneering research by Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), it is a chemical free regenerative agriculture that produces both healthier soil and vines so that they work together in rhythm and harmony to bear better quality fruit.

The main differences from organic vineyard management is that:

biodynamic viticulturists use an astrological calendar to determine auspicious planting, cultivating and harvesting times, creating both healthy soil and vine. Since ancient times the twelve zodiac constellations have been associated with the each of the four elements, each of which is related to a part of the plant.
Preparations are used in the form of herbal teas and homeopathic remedies to revitalise the soil and make the soil and crop receptive to cosmic energies.

a biodynamic vineyard aims to import nothing into the farm so each one is self-supporting, a closed system. Conventional organics don't aim for this.
the standards to achieve biodynamic certification (demeter stamp) are the same in every country so the consumer can be sure of consistent growing techniques worldwide.

These methods make for a naturally pure wine that reflects the terroir and the grapes' characteristics with the added bonus of creating a sustainable environment and healthy, happy people - both vineyard workers and the drinking consumer (if drunk in moderation).