Certificates and special characteristics

Organic

Many of our partners are committed to sustainable winegrowing and farm their vineyards organically – or even according to biodynamic principles. Organic growers eschew synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and fertilisers in the vineyard and only use organic and mineral treatments. This sensitive approach increases biomass and enhances biodiversity, leading to healthy, vital soils and vines. Many organic winemakers forgo the use of fining agents and only add sulphur where necessary (up to a maximum permitted amount). 
Not all organic growers choose to be officially certified as organic. All wines referred to as organic in our online shop come from certified organic producers, with the relevant bottles clearly labelled as such.

Biodynamic

Biodynamic farming follows the teachings of Rudolf Steiner. The rules on biodynamic wine production are stricter than those that apply to organics. Here the aim is to ensure a healthy balance in soil, plant and animal life and strengthen the vines’ natural defences. Biodynamic growers spray natural preparations on their vines, including various plant-based teas and decoctions, and herbal extracts such as fennel oil. Cow horns, which are filled with cow manure (horn manure) or finely ground quartz meal (horn silica) and buried in the soil, are integral to biodynamics. Filled horns usually spend around six months in the soil between the respective equinoxes (in the case of horn manure and horn silica) or solstices (in the case of horn silica) before being dug up. Biodynamic practitioners usually only use compost that they have made themselves. The natural, celestial rhythms and cycles of the moon, sun and stars also inform everything that biodynamic growers do.
Where a winemaker works in accordance with biodynamic principles, we indicate this in their respective producer profile. 

Vegan

Essentially, wine is fermented grape juice. However, animal products such as gelatin, egg white and fish bladder can be used as fining agents in the vinification process. More and more producers are forgoing the use of fining and wine treatment agents containing animal or animal-derived ingredients in favour of plant-based products such as peas, beans and potato starch. 
All wines referred to as vegan in our online shop are clearly labelled as such on their bottle labels.