Because organic food is not laden with pesticides or preservatives, it’s a far superior choice to nonorganic. Just like organic food, organic wine delivers health benefits that you won’t find in other wines. And here’s a bonus … unlike organic produce, organic wine isn’t outrageously expensive.
How is organic wine made?
The organic wine process begins at the vineyard with organically grown grapes. Quite simply, the winemaker grows the grapes naturally, without the application of any synthetic chemicals, herbicides, or pesticides.
The result is a healthier grape with a more robust skin and a higher concentration of elements that are good for you. These include antioxidants that combat free radicals and resveratrol which promotes heart health, lowers bad cholesterol, and increases good cholesterol.
What’s more, when you pour yourself a lovely glass of organic red wine, you can rest assured that you’re not consuming a goblet filled with synthetic chemicals.
Are organic wines sulfite-free?
Sulfites, those preservatives widely used in winemaking, are the nasty things to blame for the side-effects people often associate with wine drinking—headaches, hives, puffiness, and even stomach pain.
Fortunately, for wine to earn the organic label in the USA, the Food and Drug Administration requires the wine not to contain any sulfites. However, that isn’t the case in other parts of the world. Europe and Canada do not require the absence of sulfites to achieve organic status, so if it’s sulfites you’re avoiding, make sure you check the wine’s country of origin.
Additionally, just because organic wine doesn’t contain sulfates, doesn’t necessarily mean it doesn’t contain additives. These can include ingredients like yeast, egg whites, gelatin animal by-products, milk products, and more.
The best way to determine if your organic wine is everything you want it to be is to do a little research. Find information online about the winemaker’s history and farming practices.
Cheers to the best organic wine
We have a passion for wine, and we know you do too. That’s why we feel confident in recommending these three very affordable organic wines.
Best organic red wine
Naturally grown in Spain, Lobetia Tempranillo was a Silver Medal winner at the Challenge Millesime Bio 2012. With a fragrant bouquet of red berries and cherries, it pairs well with steak, beef, and most any appetizer.
Best organic white wine
Saladini Pilastri Pecorino is a crisp, white, Italian wine featuring notes of yellow peaches and other citrus flavors. Add it to the menu whenever you serve calamari, garlic shrimp, lasagna, and Pecorino cheeses.
Best organic rose wine
Natura Rosé hails from Chile. It is a light, fruity Rosé with a good body and a fresh strawberry bouquet. Serve with sushi, creamy cheeses, chicken, salmon, or duck.
Final thoughts
For wine lovers with discerning tastes, organic wine is a healthy, flavorful option. If you’re the type of person who shuns hormones in chicken, additives in orange juice, and preservatives in Peking duck, organic wine may be the right choice for you.