Food & Entertaining

Wine & spirits: Top organic wines of
Organic wines: Italy, Ontario, US Many grocery stores have expanded their sections dedicated to organic fruits, vegetables, meats and other products in recent years. Watch for the same kind of growth in wine and liquor stores in the future, as consumers become even more discerning about what they choose to drink.A decade or two ago, an organic wine might have popped up in the marketplace as a mere curiosity. Today, organic and biodynamic (a step beyond organic) wines of exceptional quality are regularly available through private agents across the country. In addition, three organic wines -- two reds and a white produced by Italy's Botter family -- are widely available at Ontario's government-regulated liquor stores and are sold in convenient, resealable Tetra Paks for $13 per litre. While it's somewhat premature to call organic wines a trend, there's no doubt the industry's on the cusp of broader consumer demand that goes beyond the niche of health-conscious believers. There are more good organic wines being produced today than ever before. And a greater percentage of the organic and biodynamic wine on the market is of the premium category; the same can't be said of regular wine. Organic wines to tryOrganic wines aren't always available at your local shop. The bigger producers are beginning to show up more often (and have their own websites), but artisanal wines are only available in small quantities directly through agents. When you find a good one, nurture the relationship.Azienda Agricola, Pacina, Italy robgroh.comSmall production of outstanding Chianti Colli Senesi ($29) and Super-Tuscan, La Malena ($42). Chemical-free; even the labels are printed with vegetable dyes. Boisset, France and Ontario vincorinternational.comSome of the greatest burgundies are bottled under the Domaine de la Vougeraie label, whose wines are also biodynamic. The Boisset family is a partner in Canada's premier organic estate, Le Clos Jordanne. Bonterra Vineyards, United States chartonhobbs.comAmerica's best-known brand from organic grapes was established in the '80s in California. The company offers premium-quality Chardonnay ($18), Cabernet and Syrah ($20 each). Organic wines: Italy, France, Ontario, BC Botter, Italy thecaseforwine.comAnna (Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay), Alex (Sangiovese) and Luca (Nero d'Avola) are well-made Italian wines ($13 each/1 L) typical of their regions of origin. Didier Cabanes, France thecaseforwine.comThis small artisanal winemaker has a certified organic brand simply called Didier, for its red, rosé and white wines ($14 each). Profits are shared with environmental organizations. Frogpond Farm, Ontario frogpondfarm.ca Ontario's only all-organic winery produces three wines -- Riesling and rosé ($12 each/500 mL) and Cabernet-Merlot ($16/500 mL). Malivoire Wine Company, Ontario malivoire.ca Consistent high-quality wines from this estate on the Beamsville Bench, which has one certified organic vineyard, are available year-round. Marc Kreydenweiss, France wineonline.ca His biodynamic Alsatian whites are classics. Barbabelle ($13), a red from the Mediterranean coast, is an outstanding buy that sells out quickly. Summerhill Pyramid Winery, B.C. summerhill.bc.caSparkling wines produced from organic grapes aged in a pyramid-shape cellar.

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Konrad Ejbich

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Wine & spirits: Top organic wines

By
Konrad Ejbich

Wine has never tasted so good!

Botter, Italy
thecaseforwine.com
Anna (Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay), Alex (Sangiovese) and Luca (Nero d'Avola) are well-made Italian wines ($13 each/1 L) typical of their regions of origin.

Didier Cabanes, France
thecaseforwine.com
This small artisanal winemaker has a certified organic brand simply called Didier, for its red, rosé and white wines ($14 each). Profits are shared with environmental organizations.

Frogpond Farm, Ontario
frogpondfarm.ca
Ontario's only all-organic winery produces three wines -- Riesling and rosé ($12 each/500 mL) and Cabernet-Merlot ($16/500 mL).

Malivoire Wine Company, Ontario
malivoire.ca
Consistent high-quality wines from this estate on the Beamsville Bench, which has one certified organic vineyard, are available year-round.

Marc Kreydenweiss, France
wineonline.ca
His biodynamic Alsatian whites are classics. Barbabelle ($13), a red from the Mediterranean coast, is an outstanding buy that sells out quickly.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery, B.C.
summerhill.bc.ca
Sparkling wines produced from organic grapes aged in a pyramid-shape cellar.

2 Comments

  • by
    Pender
    on 2008-09-23
    Reply to this comment

    I have yet to see a bottle of wine with the term "Organic Wine" on the label. What I have seen is. "Made from organically grown grapes" or "No Sulfites Added", but never "Organic Wine" The reason is because all wines contain sulfites, even so call "Organic Wines". The provincial owned liquor stores (LDB) in BC does a poor job in promoting this notion, with a Organic Wine section. Sorry folks, there doesn't appear to be an Organic Wine.

  • by
    InABox85
    on 2008-09-20
    Reply to this comment

    They left out this great place in London On. It's fruit wine though. It's just out side of town down dundass I think.

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