Organic wine is gaining popularity around the world but many people, even though they are aware of Organic Wine, shy away from it due to lack of availability, high pricing and shorter shelf life. That being said, the demand for Organic Wine is definitely increasing, particularly in developed countries where there are a higher percentage of well-educated and health-conscious people. My question is though, does Organic Wine really exist?
Now, as far as the term “Organic” is concerned, there are different definitions or standards for it. In general, “Organic Wine” means wine that is made from the grapes or other fruits grown by only using natural and non-artificial or synthetic chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or fungicides. This wine is also processed without the involvement of any kind of artificial or synthetic chemical agents and no artificial or synthetic chemical preservatives, colours, taste-makers, or reagents in it's preservation or storage. Furthermore, there are set standards about it, which are explained below.
Absolutely or 100% Organic Wine: This classification means that the wine is made only from 100% percent organically grown grapes or fruits and no synthetic chemicals were used in it at any subsequent stage of processing or storage.
Organic Wine: This label means that 95% of the raw materials (grapes or other fruits) used in its preparation have been derived from organic sources. It may contain a certain extent (measured in ppm) of chemicals, such as sulphites or sulphur dioxide in it.
Wine made from organic grapes (or any other fruit): In this classification case, at least 70% of the raw materials used in its preparation should be certified as organic. It may also contain a permissible level of sulphites.
Apart from the general health benefits of red wine, which include the regulation of blood pressure, maintaining good cardiac health, a better metabolism, providing warmth and boosting the immune system, the added benefit of consuming organic wine is that you are able to protect yourself from harmful chemicals.
Red wine and red grapes contain resveratrol that aids in preventing age related memory loss.Although this will not show any miraculous effects and will not make much difference, since almost everything else we consume is full of such harmful chemicals, this is at least one small healthy choice you can do from your side. People who are allergic to Sulphur or related compounds may find Organic Wine fit for consumption, provided that it is hundred percent organic, not the other, less pure variants of Organic Wine.
There are also environmental benefits to drinking Organic wine as no harmful chemicals are used in the production. Also, throughout its production, organic wine does not pollute the air, water, and soil in any significant way. The Organic Wines are also typically packed in environmentally friendly organic containers.
Drawbacks of Organic Wine:
The main drawback (or is it?) to organic wine with the preservation and stabilisation. Basically, that means, Drink it as fast as you can!
If absolutely no chemical preservatives or sulphites are used in it, then it is going to have a very short shelf life and is not going to be very stable. Wines, being costly, cannot be allowed to spoil within such a short period, so most of the producers (and even consumers) advocate the use of a few preservatives and sulphites in organic wine...