Biodynamic Wines

In June of 2005, Mr. Nicolas Joly came from France to California to participate in a Biodynamic Wine Fair in San Francisco where all the major US producers and importers of these high class wines were present. 

 

Nicolas gave a presentation about the Biodynamic philosophy and practice that brought him a standing ovation and me to tears.

 

I went up to him at the end and thanked him profusely: he had superbly put into words what I had felt for decades and tried to express and therefore the raison d'être of my own company.

Finally someone had explained the Biodynamic vision in a way that took into account the physical, emotional and spiritual components of our world and all its inhabitants and made it relevant to each of us. Here was a poet, acting in the real world, putting poetry into bottles. I recommend you go here and read on. I won’t insult the man by paraphrasing him any longer.

 

All I will say is that as you listen to him you understand why way back then some people got on a horse and went to the crusades. Those knights probably had the same passion, the same ability to convey the compelling nature of their cause as Nicolas does. After he is done it is all so obvious that you are in love with Nature and you want to do your share to save it, nourish it, and preserve it. And the biodynamic way is the obvious way to do it!

 

As some of you probably know, the great 20th century philosopher Rudolf Steiner is the originator of this approach. He taught that growth was influenced by a flow of energy radiating from the moon, stars and planets. According to Steiner, the position of the moon and the stars within certain constellations influenced the growth of leaves, roots, flowers, and fruit. Biodynamic farmers plant their crops accordingly. They employ various methods for nourishing the soil, as do organic grape growers. However, biodynamic growers put a greater emphasis on the vines and since they believe that plants respond to all the various forces of nature, they also time their activities in accordance with the cycles of the moon, planets and stars.

 

In short, the goal of biodynamic farming is to be in tune with the totality of life forces affecting the growth of the plant.

 

For a great specific description of Biodynamic viticulture, check out our friend Hilary Wright's, The Great Organic Wine Guide, a remarkably well documented & written book.

 

As for us, we are in awe of biodynamic wines and their structure, stature and depth. Reminiscent to me of cathedrals and this is no wonder if you check out Château Romanin to understand this association in my mind and my heart. They are serious wines, ponderous wines and we have carried a few good ones for many years that you can find in our store.