WHAT IS BIODYNAMIC WINE?

Biodynamic winemaking follows the methods established in the 1920s by Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner. This method of organic agriculture avoids the use of manufactured pesticides and depends mainly on compost rather than synthetic fertilisers for nutrient enrichment. There is evidence to suggest this method produces more complex flavours as a result of the microbial investment (bioactive composts) it employs. Biodynamics also uses an astronomic calendar to maximise the uptake of nutrients and minerals and help the plants avoid diseases. The farming calendar aligns with moon and planetary phases and indicates the optimal times for agricultural activities such as grape harvesting, root days (pruning), leaf days (watering) and flower days (when the vineyard should not be worked). While some may question the astrological aspect of biodynamics, independent studies have shown that…