Understanding the Labels

Organic Viticulture (Agriculture Biologique)

Organic farming eliminates synthetic chemicals in the vineyard: - No synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers - Copper and sulfur allowed for disease control - Compost and cover crops for soil health - Certification requires three-year conversion - AB (Agriculture Biologique) or EU organic leaf logo

France leads European organic viticulture with over 14% of vineyards certified organic, triple the percentage from a decade ago. Every region shows growth, with the Mediterranean south leading due to drier conditions that reduce disease pressure.

Organic in the Cellar: - Lower sulfur limits than conventional - Restricted additives list - No GMO yeasts - Some synthetic processes still allowed

Biodynamic Viticulture

Biodynamics takes organic principles further, viewing the farm as a living organism: - Based on Rudolf Steiner's 1924 lectures - Follows lunar and cosmic calendars - Uses homeopathic preparations (500-508) - Emphasizes biodiversity and self-sufficiency - Demeter or Biodyvin certification

The Preparations: - 500: Cow horn manure - soil fertility - 501: Horn silica - light and ripening - 502-507: Compost preparations from herbs - 508: Horsetail tea - fungal prevention

Critics dismiss it as pseudoscience, but results speak: many of France's most celebrated estates farm biodynamically, producing wines of exceptional vitality and terroir expression.

Natural Wine

The most controversial category, natural wine lacks official definition but generally means: - Organic or biodynamic viticulture (usually uncertified) - Native yeast fermentation - Nothing added, nothing removed (except minimal sulfur) - No fining or filtration - Accept vintage variation and "flaws"

The Sulfur Debate: - Conventional wines: up to 160mg/L (red) 210mg/L (white) - Organic wines: 100mg/L (red) 150mg/L (white) - Natural wines: 0-30mg/L typical - Some use none at all

Sustainable Viticulture (HVE - Haute Valeur Environnementale)

France's national sustainability certification: - Three levels, with HVE3 highest - Measures biodiversity, pesticide reduction, water use - Less restrictive than organic - Over 19,000 certified farms - Criticized as "greenwashing" by some

Terra Vitis: Another sustainability certification - Regional adaptations - Integrated pest management - Social responsibility included - 1,500 members across France