What is Biodynamic Wine?

Sep 26, 2024by Andrew Lowry

Biodynamic Winemaking: Cosmic Cycles and Vineyard Practices

Introduction

Biodynamic winemaking is an intriguing and sometimes controversial approach to

making soil tincture, biodynamic practices

viticulture that goes beyond organic farming. Rooted in the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, this holistic method views the vineyard as a complete ecosystem, influenced by terrestrial and cosmic forces. In this post, we'll explore the principles, practices, and debates surrounding biodynamic winemaking.

What is Biodynamic Winemaking?

Biodynamic winemaking is an agricultural approach that treats the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem. It incorporates organic farming principles but goes further by considering astronomical and astrological influences on crop growth. The goal is to create a harmonious, self-regulating environment that produces high-quality grapes without synthetic interventions.

Key Principles:

Holistic ecosystem management
Use of natural preparations to enhance soil and plant health
Timing of vineyard activities based on lunar and astrological calendars
Emphasis on biodiversity and farm-generated fertility

Cosmic Cycles in Biodynamics

One of the most distinctive aspects of biodynamic winemaking is its attention to cosmic cycles. Practitioners believe that the positions of the moon, planets, and stars influence plant growth.

The Biodynamic Calendar

The biodynamic calendar categorizes days into four types:

Root days: Ideal for pruning and planting
Fruit days: Best for harvesting
Flower days: Suitable for leaving the vineyard undisturbed
Leaf days: Optimal for watering

"The idea is to do the right thing at the right time in harmony with the forces of nature." - Nicolas Joly, renowned biodynamic winemaker

Full Moon and New Moon Days

In biodynamics, the lunar cycle is divided into four types of days: fruit days, flower days, leaf days, and root days. Fruit days are considered ideal for harvesting and bottling, as they are believed to enhance the wine’s aromatic and flavor profiles.

Full Moon: Fruit days typically occur when the moon is in the air signs (Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius). Full moon days are considered particularly auspicious for bottling, as they are thought to amplify the wine’s aromatic and floral characteristics.

New Moon: Some biodynamic practitioners also advocate for bottling on new moon days, which occur when the moon is in the earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn). New moon days are believed to emphasize the wine’s structural and mineral qualities.

Vineyard Practices

Biodynamic winemaking employs unique practices designed to enhance the vitality of the vineyard ecosystem.

Biodynamic Preparations

These include:

Horn manure (500): Buried cow horns filled with manure
Horn silica (501): Ground quartz packed into cow horns
Various compost preparations (502-507): Made from herbs like yarrow, chamomile, and dandelion

Other Practices

Cover cropping to improve soil health
Use of animals for pest control and fertilization
Composting with an emphasis on diverse organic materials

The Science and Controversy

While many winemakers swear by biodynamic methods, the scientific community remains skeptical about some aspects, particularly the cosmic timing and specific preparations.

"Biodynamics is a holistical approach to agriculture that has proven results in soil health and wine quality, even if we don't fully understand all the mechanisms." - Randall Grahm, California winemaker

Some studies have shown improvements in soil quality and biodiversity in biodynamic vineyards, but more research is needed to validate all claims.

Is Biodynamic Wine Better?

We suppose that's for you to decide! Try a handful of biodynamic wines and normal wines and see which you enjoy more on average! Just because a wine is Biodynamic doesn't mean it is guaranteed to be a tastier wine. It does mean that the wine will be free of pesticides and herbicides (or at least signignigicantly less than conventionally farmed wine) and that the land the grapes grow on is a habitat for more than just grapes.

Personally, we opt for Biodynamic and Organic wines whenever we can, if the price is right!

5 Biodynamic Wines to Try from Harvest Wine Shop

Conclusion

Biodynamic winemaking remains a fascinating and debated approach in the world of viticulture. While some of its practices may seem esoteric, its focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and minimal intervention aligns with growing trends in the wine industry. Whether you're a believer in cosmic influences or simply interested in ecological farming methods, biodynamic wines offer a unique perspective on the relationship between earth, vine, and wine.