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Organic products have been in demand for several years, and consumer habits are changing. Far beyond a "hipster trend", consuming locally, in season, through short supply chains and in a more eco-responsible way is becoming a real commitment. And we are rarely disappointed: it is better for the planet, but also for the taste!
Perhaps the notable exception: wine, choosing which can sometimes be a real headache.
When you decide to change your habits in order to opt for a more eco-responsible lifestyle, you are faced with many questions: vegan or plant-based leather? What are the most ethical materials? How to have a [ truly ] healthy home? Don't worry, you will find the answer in our articles and you will be able to find many eco-responsible products on our site.
The scene has become common: a group of friends meeting in a trendy wine bar, with the sole wish of a good bottle of red to accompany different appetizers, and there, surprise: they bring you a sparkling red wine.
“Oh yes, but be careful, it's natural wine!” the waiter will tell you. Some like it, others hate it. But what is the difference between natural, organic, or biodynamic wines? Are all these wines equal, and how to choose a bottle that suits your tastes?
That is why today, the Meanwhile Boutique team helps you see more clearly between these 3 types of wine, without falling into the greenwashing trap.
Because just like in wine, in fashion too, you can quickly be fooled by marketing slogans. That is why Meanwhile Boutique is committed to offering only truly eco-responsible brands, in complete transparency. Each piece we offer has been designed with attention to detail, respect for the environment and fair labor.
You will notably find super practical bags to put organic wine bottles in...
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#1 - What is organic wine?
Organic Farming
Officially existing since 2012, organic farming is defined by a very precise set of specifications taking into account the entire wine production chain, from viticulture to bottling.
In order to obtain the label Organic Farming (AB), identifying products from organic farming as described by the Minister of Agriculture, the winemaker cannot use any chemical products such as insecticides or herbicides in the treatment of their vines, but also has a limited list of additives that can be inserted at the time of winemaking.
The conversion to organic farming is long and tedious and testifies to a real commitment beyond a simple marketing gesture, since you have to grow your vines organically for 3 consecutive years (at least) before you can claim this certification. Nothing, however, prohibits acidification in organic wine (a process aimed at increasing the acidity of a wine by adding tartaric, malic or lactic acid), the addition of tannins, wood chips, industrial yeasts or even sulfur (or sulfites) in limited quantities.
In an organic wine, the vine is worked in respect for nature and its natural cycles, promoting wines that are particularly characteristic of their terroir.
#2 - What is biodynamic wine?
Biodynamic wine goes even further. Born from the thought of the philosopher Rudolph Steiner (1861-1925), biodynamics is a method seeking to create a perfect osmosis between the soil and the plant.
A salutary method for some or completely crazy for others, this consists notably in several "preparations" that allow to strengthen and develop the biodiversity of the soil. These preparations, based on plants or various minerals, are infused and macerated in the soil with properties and dynamized before being dispersed on the vine, creating like a kind of homeopathic treatment for the various ills of the vineyard.
Also using the lunar calendar in winemaking, biodynamics respects the vegetative cycles of the vine, for a more ethical approach to viticulture, producing less, but in the purest respect of the environment and biodiversity.
In the cellar, additives are strongly reduced, with lower doses of sulfur than for organic wines. It nevertheless allows fining (requires the introduction of protein substances into the wine in order to remove suspended particles) and the filtration of the wine, otherwise the wine would be cloudy and could present sediment, as well as its chaptalization (addition of sugar).
Unlike organic wine, there is no European regulation on biodynamics, but two important certifying bodies: Demeter and Biodyvin. To obtain the biodynamic mention, the wines must beforehand come from organic farming.
#3 - And what about natural wine then?
In truth, there is no real definition of natural wine, or natural wine, because each association has its own recommendation, and there is no set of specifications at the European level allowing to have a clear view of it.
In France, several associations work actively to promote natural wine, each with precise commitments. The Association of Natural Wines (AVN), founded in 2000, brings together winemakers who commit to vinifying without inputs, using only indigenous yeasts, in an artisanal and respectful approach to living beings. For its part, the association S.A.I.N.S. (Without Any Input Or Added Sulfite) goes even further by prohibiting any addition, even minimal, on the entire production of its members. Finally, the Syndicate for the Defense of Vin Méthode Nature, created in 2019, launched an officially recognized label: "Vin Méthode Nature". This guarantees a total transparency and a strict respect of a set of specifications oriented towards organic viticulture, without inputs and with a clear labeling for the consumer.
In broad terms, natural wine goes even further than biodynamic wine, by allowing absolutely no input, added sulfur or original juice modification technique, the wine thus becoming as respectful as possible of the environment. The wine is not (or very little) filtered, hence a sometimes cloudy juice. Without any added sulfur, the wine can also be unstable and degrade differently from one bottle to another!
Unfortunately, natural wine being -as mentioned above- not certified, any winemaker can boast of having "natural" wine regardless of the treatment applied to their wine.
So, what to choose?
A good wine is above all a wine that you enjoy, but if you want to have a more responsible consumption, identifying the certified logos (via agencebio.org) on the labels is a good first step! And above all do not rely on vague assessments or attempts at greenwashing such as the mentions "Wine created in respect of nature", or "wine from a natural process" which in fact... mean absolutely nothing.
Some winemakers still work in respect of organic farming without being certified (note that there is still a cost to pay for these legal mentions), so do not hesitate to ask advice from a wine merchant or a good sommelier who will know how to guide you towards environmentally friendly winemakers!
[ Alcohol abuse is dangerous for health, consume in moderation. ]
Like for a good wine, behind each responsible garment hides a passionate creator. By choosing products from Meanwhile Boutique, you support a fairer, more ethical, and more human fashion.
