MARCH 20, 2006
Wine
grape growing in California is big business. There are around 400 vineyards producing thousands of tons of grapes and the three most popular seem to be chardonnay, merlot and cabernet sauvignon, in spite of the movie Sideways which promoted Pinot Noir.
Statistic: In 2003 there were 7000 acres of certified organic grapes. That means 7000 less acres where a variety of 'nasties' are used on the vineyards. There are about 400,000 acres conventionally farmed, so we have our work cut out for us if we want to change an industry. Only 7 per cent of all grapes grown in the USA are organic.
One group working hard to help growers transition to more sustainable vineyard practices is the Central Coast Vineyard Team in California. They have created a wonderful check list for growers. Transitioning to safe vineyard practices is in the works, but the process is slow. Yet, grape growers are beginning to recognize they can have a healthy grape from a healthy environment
Perhaps we ought to create a check list for homeowners: pesticides on the lawn - check; chemical cleaners under the sink - check ; or on the positive side; non-chlorine bleached toilet paper - check; long lasting florescent light bulbs - check. This kind of self monitoring system has been designed for vineyard managers and many are adopting new growing procedures.
Remember our goal as human beings is to be faithful to the process, because we can't always be immediately successful. We all can not change over-night, but many people I know are starting to retro-fit their homes, vineyards, factories etc.
Ok: Back to merlot and cabernet.
I attended an organic wine conference last year and had the opportunity to try wines made organically, with organic grapes, without sulfites etc. It is very hard to tell by taste if a wine is organic or not so you have to check out the label. However, if the quality of the wine stinks, then no one will purchase the wine anyway, so every organic grower is first and foremost worrying about quality. It is all about the 'mouth'. Quality is everything.
A good wine does not have to be expensive, and expensive wines are not always good, but when you can find a good organic wine that is not expensive then you have hit the jackpot.
Here are some suggestions to look for. Each has been made with certified organic grapes, (in some cases not all their merlot or cab is organic, so check out the label even with these: Bonterra, Frey, Barra, Sinsky, Frog's Leap, Fetzer, LaRocca, ZD Wines.
Another thought: Some of my friends seem to be allergic to wine. Perhaps it is the sulfites. Frey and LaRocca wines are produced without sulfites. Give them a try.
Remember, above all else, if you are going to drink wine, buy responsibly.
--Peter