Before you reach for that glass of wine, toast to something new this time: Organic wine. There is some confusion surrounding organic wine selections, as many people believe that wine is naturally organic since it’s made from grapes that come from the ground. Yet as we learn more about sustainable living, we know that just because we use natural sources doesn’t mean we take part in an Eco-friendly lifestyle.
In order for a wine to be labeled certified organic, it must be free of sulfur dioxide. This may not sound like a big deal, but sulfur dioxide is the very component that keeps the wine fresh for long periods of time. To allow wines to last for a reasonable length of time while still reaping the benefits of being organic, the USDA has allowed wine makers to label their wine bottles with “made with organic grapes”.
To get this green seal, farmers need to adhere to sustainable practices for their grape farms. Grapes must not be treated with harmful pesticides, which means the finished product must have less than the normal sulfites in it, or 100 parts per million of total sulfites.
Not only should the wine be made with certified organic grapes, but it should also sport green packaging. Look for bottles that have recycled labels and packaging, and for an extra boost, some companies even ship their wine in bulk and fill the bottles at the plant. You’ll also find that several wine companies boast renewable solar power that their company runs on.
Since extra work goes into having organic crops, wine companies are happy to share the history of their grapes. Some even handpick their selections instead of letting a machine do the work, which means only the best grapes make it into their wines. With so many choices for organic wine selections, you can enjoy smooth, aged tastes while leading a sustainable lifestyle.
Image c/o thedailygreen.com
Tags: clean energy, eco-friendly, environment, green, green wine, save the trees, save trees, wine
