Sustainable Wine
June 8, 2008
As we move towards a more sustainable lifestyle we look not only at the product itself and it’s content, we look to see if the product is manufactured in a way that is sustainable as well. If not totally organic, is it made of materials that are renewable? Does it contain pesticides or harmful chemicals (sometimes under the guise of protecting us) and are the people who work for the company that makes it fairly treated?
When it comes to wine, there are quite a few options. Some less drinkable than others however as our “research” quickly showed us. We’ll share the cream of the crop of sustainably grown wines. Not all are certified organic, but they all practice sustainable viticulture practices.
Shafer practices low impact sustainable practices including planting cover crops to control weeds and erosion, return nitrogen to the soil and provide habitat for “good” insects that feed on leafhoppers and other vineyard pests. To control the rodents that like to live in the cover crop, they installed barn owl nesting boxes. Shafer uses natural fertilizers and minimal use of sulfur to control mildew on the vines.
Winemaker notes
Shafer’s 2005 Merlot has won several awards, including Food and Wine’s “Merlot of the Year” award in 2007
Winemaker’s notes
“This Merlot comes with big scoops of red and black fruit aromas and flavors. I get fresh plums, sweet black cherries, currants, red licorice, a little pepper, and pleasing doses of fragrant earth, smoke, and minerality.” – Elias Fernandez
“… possesses crisp acidity as well as an elegant bouquet of berry fruit, menthol, sweet cherries, and spice. The tremendous aromatics are followed by abundant fruit.”
The philosophy at Willakenzie Estates is simple: “Healthy Soil, Healthy Vines, Healthy People”. They practice sustainable viticulture in every aspect of the company’s operation from planting cover crops and protecting wildlife habitat to taking care of their employees year round.
Winemaker notes
Willakenzie Estates creates a variety of wines from their single vineyard –each with it’s own distinct character– and have won acclaim across the board from the luscious Pinot Gris to the formidable Terres Basses.
“Producing Pinots with intense flavors, robust structures, round and supple tannins is our passion and raison d’être. ”
“Terres Basses–The beautiful, dark ruby color of this wine immediately suggests its depth. Rich aromas of cranberry, cassis, and plum are followed by hints of earthiness, tobacco, and subtle tangerine peel. The flavors offer both red and black fruit; black cherry, blackberry, and blueberry combining with rhubarb and pomegranate for a complex, satisfying palate impression and a long finish. This is a big wine, whose intense fruit is well balanced by bright acidity and supple tannins.”
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