Beverage Choices for Organic Aficionados?

In this era of healthy living and mindful consumption, the French are paying more and more attention to what’s on their plates. So why not give some thought to what’s in your wine glass?

What is organic wine?

If you’re new to organic wine, there are a few things you should know before tasting it. According to Antoine Gerbelle, a renowned reporter for *La Revue du vin de France, organic wine has a more flavorful maturity and is less sweet: “It’s like tasting a ripe fruit from a fruit tree at the peak of its maturity: it isn’t any riper than the others, but it has more presence on the palate—a presence that doesn’t rely solely on sweetness, but on the balance of flavors.”

It’s easy to spot them: just look for the AB (certifying that the grapes used are organic), Nature et Progrès, Ecocert, Demeter (a mark of biodynamic farming, which is more respectful of the vines), and Biodyvin (a label for elite winemakers) on your bottle’s label.

For those who love full-bodied, smooth wines: A selection of organic white wines

If you’re a die-hard fan of white wine, you’ll have no trouble finding something to your liking in the organic selection. Whether it’s Alsace, Burgundy, or Languedoc, all the major wine-producing regions are taking a keen interest in farming practices that prioritize respect for the terroir. If you prefer a touch of exoticism, go for the Vacheron cousins’ white Sancerre with hints of grapefruit and pineapple, or the Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg from Domaine Bott-Geyl, with notes of citrus and ginger that linger on the palate. And for special occasions, go for the Coume Gineste cuvée, a great white wine from Domaine Gauby, without a second thought.

For lovers of full-bodied, characterful wines: A selection of organic red wines

If red wine is more your thing, we’ve got you covered. The Pommard Grands Epenots from Burgundy, which should be cellared for 8 to 10 years before reaching its peak, the 2014 Menetou Salon from Domaine Philippe Gilbert, with fruity notes of strawberries, spices, and wood, or the Burlenberg “La Coline Brûlée” from Alsace, made from ultra-ripe grapes, are all sure bets.

Finally, Thierry Allemand, a leading figure in the world of grand cru wines with his Cornas, is sure to surprise you with a distinct floral bouquet of violets and irises. And if you’re surprised not to see any big names among the Bordeaux wines—despite Bordeaux being hailed as the sanctuary of red wine—be patient: Bordeaux winemakers are gradually experimenting with biodynamic farming on certain plots. And that takes time.

Discover our selection of natural wines, sourced directly from the winemaker