Organic wine

What is meant by organic wine?

Organic wine is a product that comes from agriculture that respects the environment and the consumer, without the use of synthetic chemistry and with techniques that preserve the health of the soil and the vine. To be defined as organic, a wine must comply with specific European regulations, which require that at least 95% of the ingredients come from certified organic cultivation.

This type of wine represents the basis of any quality artisanal wine, produced with a sustainable and transparent approach. It is not just a label, but a concrete commitment towards the environment and the final consumer.

What is the difference between natural wine and organic wine?

The difference between organic and natural wine lies mainly in the production processes and regulatory criteria:

Organic wine: follows precise European regulations that regulate both cultivation (banning pesticides and chemical fertilizers) and winemaking (limiting the use of sulphites and additives). However, the use of selected yeasts and other controlled practices is permitted in the cellar.
Natural wine: it goes beyond certifications. It does not use additives or chemical substances either in the vineyard or in the cellar, and the fermentation takes place exclusively with native yeasts. It is the most authentic and least manipulated product possible.

Organic wine is a first step towards sustainable and genuine production, while natural wine represents a next level of craftsmanship and purity.

Many consumers confuse the terms “natural” and “organic”, but the two concepts have significant differences:

  • Certification: organic wine is regulated by European laws and requires official certification. Natural wine, however, does not have a unique certification.
  • Interventions in the cellar: some interventions are allowed in organic wine, such as the addition of selected yeasts and the use of sulphites within defined limits. Natural wine, on the other hand, is free of any additives and does not undergo clarification or filtration.
    Production philosophy: organic wine aims to reduce environmental impact, while natural wine focuses on total authenticity and craftsmanship.

Both methods respect the environment, but natural wine is the choice for those looking for a completely unmanipulated product.

How to understand if a wine is organic?

Recognizing an organic wine is quite simple, thanks to the presence of the European “green leaf” logo on the label. This symbol guarantees that the product complies with the requirements established by the European Union.

Furthermore, you can check:

  1. Certification: the wine must be approved by a certifying body accredited by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies (MIPAAF).
  2. Product description: often, producers clearly indicate on the label that the wine is organic and specify the production methods.
  3. Origin: organic wine almost always comes from farms that practice sustainable agriculture.

How many sulphites does an organic wine contain?

The presence of sulphites is one of the most discussed aspects in the production of organic wine. The limits established by European legislation for organic wines are:

150 mg/L for white wines
100 mg/L for red wines

These values ​​are significantly lower than the limits allowed in conventional wines, which can reach up to 200 mg/L for whites and 150 mg/L for reds.

However, many organic wine producers voluntarily choose to further reduce the use of sulphites, to ensure a more natural and healthy product.

Who certifies organic wine?

In Italy, the certification of organic wine is regulated by the MIPAAF (Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies), which operates following the directives of the European Union. Accredited certifying bodies, such as ICEA, CCPB and Valoritalia, verify that companies comply with the regulations during all production phases, from vine cultivation to winemaking where 5% of the use of systemic chemistry is permitted.

To obtain organic certification, a company must follow a rigorous three-year conversion process, during which it must demonstrate that it respects the required organic practices

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How is organic wine produced?

The production of organic wine is based on principles that protect the environment and guarantee the quality of the product:

In the vineyard: pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers are prohibited. The use of copper sulphate is allowed, but in limited quantities (maximum 4 kg per hectare, with a tendency to reduce further). Natural methods are encouraged, such as the planting of legumes to regulate nitrogen in the soil and the use of useful insects for the biological control of infestations.
Irrigation: preference is given to the use of rainwater or emergency systems, avoiding intensive interventions that stress the soil.
In the cellar: requirements include compliance with sulphite limits and the ability to use selected yeasts to control fermentation. However, some producers choose more natural techniques to preserve the authenticity of the wine.

Winemaking and quality of organic wine

Organic winemaking requires care and attention, but allows you to obtain wines of higher quality than those produced industrially. Compliance with regulations ensures that organic wines are:

  1. Healthier: thanks to the absence of chemical residues and the reduced use of sulphites.
  2. Sustainable: organic techniques protect soil, water and biodiversity.
  3. Authentic: although less extreme than natural wines, organic wines represent a first step towards genuine and respectful production.

Why choose organic wine?

Opting for an organic wine means making a conscious and responsible choice, which rewards:

  • The health of the consumer, with a safer product free of chemical residues.
  • Environmental sustainability, thanks to agricultural practices that respect nature.
  • The quality of the product, obtained through artisanal and controlled methods.

Organic wine is the starting point for those who want to approach more ethical and quality-oriented consumption, leaving room for greater awareness and respect for our planet.