April 18, 2011

Wine For Normal People Radio: Episode 14, Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines - Do you care?

Ok, even if you don't care, it's still important to know the difference between "organic", "biodynamic", or "sustainable" on a wine label because they seem to be the terms du jour these days. Everyone from wine shops to wineries to wine nerds throw around these fashionable terms and it's good to know the differences between them.

In this episode, we define these terms and explain the differences, and maybe get just a little snarky about some of the marketing BS behind things.

WARNING too...I did use a few naughty words in this episode, so please don't listen with the kids in the car...

And some deets on the show...


  • Shout-outs - Some great Twitter replies, comments on the blog, iTunes reviews, and Facebook posts
  • Main Topic - Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines
    1. Sustainable - Not certified... but maybe it should be
    2. Organic - A certification for certain winegrowing practices
    3. Biodynamic - Definitely some weird science going on - a must listen!
  • Let Us Know (on Facebook) - Does "organic", "biodynamic", or "sustainable" matter to you?
  • Grape of the Week - Grüner Veltliner (GROO-nah velt-LEEN-ah)
  • Next Week - Terroir and Pinot Noir -- How the grape is different around the world!
Also to follow up on some things we mentioned... Here's the post on which this 'cast is based: Organic/Biodynamic Wines And some great recent vintages for Grüner...2006 and 2007 were outstanding, 2008 and 2009 were pretty darn good. Try to find out what the style of the wine is before you buy it -- fruity v. peppery and buy accordingly. And as I said in the 'cast, don't give up on it. You may need to kiss a few frogs before you find your Grüner prince!

Here's the link:

Ep 014 Organic, Biodynamic, and Sustainable Wines - Do you care?


To listen, download the podcast from the iTunes store (and if you like it please add a comment or rate it so we can make sure to stay on the radar, which helps other folks find us easily that would be great!), click the link above, or use the player below! Thanks for listening!
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5 comments:

  1. BrandyApril 18, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Yeah for Gruner! My sommelier friend's favourite wine is this. I find it yum!

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  2. BalikovMay 9, 2011 at 3:35 PM

    Very enlightening show on the terms organic, biodynamic, sustainable - and their abuse. Can you do the same for "Barrel fermented". "Bottle aged". "Old vine". "Reserve" etc.? -
    Keep up the good work!
    Greener

    ReplyDelete
  3. KathrynMay 9, 2011 at 11:40 PM

    I just tried a Gruner Vetliner because of your description of it on this episode and really, really enjoyed it. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wine For Normal PeopleMay 10, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    Greener --

    I so agree that those terms are crazy and confusing. Rick and I recorded a podcast on wine labels that includes commentary on those terms. It's in the editing stage and we'll hopefully publish it soon!

    Thanks so much for your comment and glad we're on it for you already!
    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  5. Wine For Normal PeopleMay 10, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    Kathryn,

    I'm so relieved to hear that even though the description of Gruner was a little weird, you still went for it! That's awesome!

    I love Gruner (in some styles!) and I love stepping out of the traditional grape varieties to find something interesting. It seems like you're like that too!

    My next suggestion for you: Try some Soave from Italy (not the cheap stuff, but a good producer -- ask your wine store or I've got a good one reviewed on the blog) or Verdejo/Rueda from Spain. Kind of in the same vein and awesome!

    Thanks for writing and glad you liked the Gruner!

    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete