WINE SAVES THE WORLD!

(From the Wine Enthusiast Magazine May 2008)

ONE SIP AT A TIME: How the Industry Helps the Environment

Another Shade of Green. Want to enjoy great wine and contribute to the planet's health? These Organic and Biodynamic wines deliver on both counts.

"Organic, biodynamic, eco-friendly, sustainable, carbon neutral, carbon zero. Many green words are bandied around as producers scramble to proclaim their environmental credentials. Some have (relatively) strict definitions, others are as good as the marketing department wants to make them.

Wines produced from organically and biodynamically grown grapes are amoung the best defined and controlled. In organice farming, there are no artificial chemicals; only natural soil treatments and predators are used to control disease and eliminate pests. Sulfer is allowed, but producers place more emphasis on techniques like canopy management to reduce vine diseases. 

Apart from their green credentials, do these wines taste better? Critics claim to detect purer fruit flavors and greater freshness in some wines. The bottom line is that a decision to go for organic and biodynamic can indicate that a producer is serious both about the environment and quality. Whether the commitment is ultimately reflected in the end is another matter."

Bodega Familia Zuccardi: Santa Julia Organica

From Mendoza, Argentina

2008 Chardonnay: 100% Chardonnay made from Organically grown grapes. This wine is un-oaked, aged in stainless steel tanks. Pale yellow in colour with green hues. Elegant aromas of tropical fruits, green apple, pear, banana and pineapple. Honey and a hint of a citric notes. Medium-bodied and well balanced. This Chardonnay is pleasant and a long lasting finish. Sale $8.99

2008 Torrontes: 100% Torrontes made from Organically grown grapes. This white wine is un-oaked, aged in stainless steel tanks, with dry selected yeast at low temperatures. Silver yellow in colour with brilliant pale green reflections. Notes of rose aromas, orange peel, white peaches, fruit salad, chamomile and other aromatic herbs. This white has a fresh and blanced flavor. Sale $8.99

2008 Malbec: 100% Malbec made from Organically grown grapes. This red is aged in stainless steel tanks. The colour is violet-intense purple, concentrated and bright. Complex aromas on the nose with varietal notes of ripe fruits, figs, prunes, jam and raisins. Medium-bodied, with sweet tannins and well balanced by acidity. A lingering and complex finish. Sale $8.99

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made from Organically grown grapes. This red is aged in stainless steel tanks. Intense ruby red in colour. Nice fruit aromas of red and black fruits like cassis, black cherries and spice. Medium-bodied, well balanced with soft tannins and a long finish. Sale $8.99

 More Organic Selections:

2005 Parducci Sustainable Red: From Mendocino County, California: A unique blend of sustainably grown Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Primitivo, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Viognier. This red has berry fruit flavors and spicy complexities. Enjoy this robust dry red wine with pasta, pizza, grilled meats, and flavorful cheeses. Parducci is the 1st U.S. Carbon Neutral Winery. The winery recieved the 2007 California Governor's Environmental & Economic Leadership Award. Locally owned and operated. Grapes are from family farms. Sustainable farming practices. 100% green power. Earth friendly packaging. Sale $9.99

2007 Parducci Sustainable White: From Mendocino County, California. This white has crisp, clean aromas and flavors of citrus and tropical fruit. Enjoy this rich dry white wine with salmon, chicken, creamy soups and white sauced pasta. Sale $9.99

2008 Spring Seed Wine Co. Four O'Clock Chardonnay: From McLaren Vale, Australia. Certified Organic. A well known, attractive, free-spirited variety producing a splendid effect in the glass. Four o'clock Chardonnay has the nose of nectarine and lime and a crisp finish. Everyday Price $13.99

2006 Organic Vintners Merlot: From Medocino, California. Certified Organic and Vegan. This fragrant wine has a very nice mouth feel and flavors of plums, currants and chocolate. Its soft tannins and fruit linger on the finish. Everyday Price $22.99

 

 

 

 

 Wine Spectator: Red Wine helps fight age:

Read the Wine Spectator article about how a chemical in red wine helps fight age. http://www.winespectator.com/Wine/Features/0,1197,4475,00.html