What could be a better accompaniment to a meal of organic food than a glass of organic wine? Wine is one of humanity's oldest beverages. It's been used in medicine and religious rituals, and it is all over our social calendars. A lot of research has been made to study its effect on human health. Is it a coincidence that the French, who are second in the world in wine consumption, also have the second lowest occurrence of heart disease?

That alone is a good reason to enjoy a glass of wine. But why select an organic wine over one made with conventional methods?

First, as with all organic food, organic wine is produced without any pesticides, herbicides or insecticides. According to some estimates, seventeen such substances are used in conventional wine grape production, making grapes one of the most heavily sprayed crops. After years of spraying the soil, as well as a season of spraying the grapes, the grapes contain contact as well as systemic pesticides. They may not only harm the plants, the soil, and ultimately the environment, but may also be present in the wine as a residue.

Organic farming promotes "biodiversity" and allows other plants to grow in and around the vineyard. Instead of using chemical substances to eliminate weeds, vintners let them grow. In place of herbicides they cultivate the soil and plant cover crops. They use only natural fertilizers, such as composted animal manure, and cultivate beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, to keep the less-welcome ones away.

Grapes are hand picked, which allow only the ripest and healthiest to be used in wine production. An independent body of certification (accredited by the USDA), has to control each winegrower, once or twice a year, to test if he meets the standards for organic farming.

But being "organic" doesn't stop when the grapes are picked. The winemaking process itself is a factor. Organic wineries keep physical treatment of the wine to a minimum level, although the temperature is controlled throughout.

Further, to call a wine "organic," it must not contain added sulfur dioxide, or sulfites. A natural byproduct of the fermentation process, sulfites are essential to prevent oxidation or bacterial spoilage of the wine. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture allows organic wines contain up to 100ppm of sulfites in the final product, many contain less than that; organic red wine, for example, often contains only 40ppm. Conventional winemakers generally add sulfites, and the sulfite levels of their wines will be twice as high.

Organic wines haven't had a good reputation throughout the years, but you'd be surprised at how far they've come. Add a glass of organic wine to that next organic meal, and make it tasty, heart-healthy, and environmentally friendly.

About the Author

Debbie O'Meara is the owner of www.organic-food-and-drink.com, full of resources and information about organic food and beverages, including wine.

Thoughts about Quality Wine

Learn about Custom Wine Racks


Custom Wine Racks
With custom wine racks, you can purchase the perfect rack for your unique situation. You no longer are stuck with limited choices. T...


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Featured Quality Wine Items

Chateau Cos d'Estournel


"The 1986 Chateau Cos d'Estournel is a highly extracted dry red wine, with a black/ruby color and plenty of toasty, smoky notes in its bouquet that suggest ripe plums and licorice. Evolving at a glacial pace, this Bordeaux exhibits massive, huge, ripe, extremely concentrated flavors with impressive depth and richness. This wine from France possesses more power, weight, and tannin than the more opulent and currently more charming 1985. Anticipated maturity: 1996-2010. Great gift!" RP - 95 (Subject to Availability) COS86 COS86


Price: 295.99 USD



News about Quality Wine

Oskar Blues Old Chub

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 04:25:53 PDT
Oskar Blues Old Chub By BarleyBlog Comments (2) Man, it’s been quite some time since I’ve posted an actual beer review. What’s surprising is that I’ve had plenty of quality brews that are completely worthy of reviews, but apparently I’d rather post videos of crazy Korean beer commercials. Well, let’s get back into the review groove with what can only be the first canned beer I’ve had (aside from many Guinness Pub Draughts) in more years than I care to count. I honestly cannot remember the

Words I Want To Use

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:24:35 PDT
I spend most of my day not with people, but with words. Working as a publicist I use them constantly in the enormous amount of writing I do. Add to that my blogging (and now my occasional Twittering) and you realize that for me the search for just the right word is often the task in front of me. More often than not I'm searching or word related to wine and drinking. There are words related to these categories, however, that I can't recall ever using. And yet, I like these words for one reason

7 Questions: Sauza Tequila’s Senior Brand Director

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 06:49:44 PDT
7 Questions: Sauza Tequila’s Senior Brand Director Andrew Floor Senior Brand Director Sauza Tequila Tequila has graduated from outside shot and Margarita glasses to being consumed on the rocks, in flights and even sipped and savored. The latest introductions tend to be above-premium, making the category even more relevant to today’s consumption trends. The Mexican spirit was the fastest growing non-whiskey in 2006, according to Beverage Information Group research. Sauza Tequila is a lead

Hope

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:18:37 PDT
I think we need a little hope, Hope Wine that is, after the Bitterness… I recently attended the Launchtown event at John Carroll. (Launchtown is a business plan competition). The event had three (keynote) speakers: Eileen Saffran founder of The Gathering Place (a caring community for those touched by cancer), Jake Kloberdanz co-founder and CEO of Hope Wine, and John Osher the local legend behind the SpinPop, SpinBrush, etc. Hope Wine is a for-profit business but they have an interesting model

Italian wine protection questioned, says report (Food Production Daily)

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:26:50 PDT
Producers banded under Italy's Brunello di Montalcino designation are facing a probe by a regional prosecutor over claims that some makers of the Tuscany wine may have blended grapes other than the permitted Sangiovese variety in their product.


Wine Reviews
Wine Tours
Wine Label

Labels: Wine Refrigerators | Wine Regions

Posted by Patrick Jackson | 0 comments

One of the most baffling subjects that confronts the budding wine enthusiast is the deciphering of the myriad of information contained on the bottle label, especially that contained on wine bottles from European countries. Once the basic rules are taken on board it becomes a lot simpler. Whereas most New World countries put details of the grape varieties on the front label, a lot of European regions do not, and as this is the most basic of information for taste purposes why is this the case?

European winemakers tend to put more emphasis on the place of origin. For instance, a Bordeaux red typically wont say 'Cabernet' or 'Merlot' on the front label, but instead have the name of the chateau where it was made, and usually the part of Bordeaux where it was made, for example Haut-Medoc. Similarly a Sancerre is totally Sauvignon Blanc, but an in depth analysis of the label will leave you none the wiser. For the French the important factor is that the wine comes from Sancerre in the Loire valley and for them it is inbred knowledge that white Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc.

Moving south to Spain, red Rioja declares itself as Rioja on the label, not Tempranillo the grape variety used, whilst in Italy most Tuscan reds have no information on the Sangiovese grape that is most widely used in these wines. Given this mish-mash of information it is no wonder that many of us head for that bottle with the label announcing it is a Chardonnay Viognier from the Ironstone Vineyard of California.

It is clear then that the Europeans believe the most important factor influencing a wine's character is the soil, climate and culture of the area where the grape is grown and this is particularly important to single-vineyard wines who make the most of capturing the essence of a particular area of land. So whereas a French winemaker will see his wine as reflecting the character of a particular region, a New World winemaker mad about grape varieties will consider that soil is just the growing medium in which the fruit grows, and that the grape variety and hard work in the winery are what really counts. Today these two opposing approaches to wine labelling are moving closer together with New World producers emphasising their regionality and its characteristics, whilst European, even the parochial French winemakers possibly prompted by the wholesalers and the supermarkets are labelling their wines more clearly.

About the Author

James Pendleton is a lover of the better things in life. For more information on wine visit Wine Capital

Another short Cheap Wine review

A Guide To Cheap Wine Racks


There is a difference between "cheap wine racks" and ones that are made cheaply. A made cheap wine rack is of poor quality. Often these cheap wine rac...


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Cheap Wine Items For Viewing

Champagne Krayer "Cuvee Tradition"


The grapes for the Krayer "Cuvee Tradition" Champagne (80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay) were grown in the Marne department, which is known as the cradle of Champagne. Blessed with well-draining gravelly and chalky soils, the vines grow deep and strong to produce grapes of great quality for the Krayer Champagne House. Their "Cuvee Tradition" blend has a great golden color with a warm bread nose. The wine itself has a lot of forward fruit that gives way to a creamy back palate and a long finish. Great for your holiday parties or for any special celebrations throughout the year! You can buy this French sparkling wine online. KCNV KCNV


Price: 69.99 USD



News about Cheap Wine

Wine Week 58: A bottle aged trophy winner for under $15!

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:06:14 PST
It's a wine that's widely regarded as one of Australia's best semillons and has more than half a decade of bottle age already, but it costs less than $15. As well we also check out a Barossa shiraz with great cellaring potential and a red blend that comes in so cheap you'll never need by bulk wine again.

Screw Cap Closures – The new wave of wine closures?

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:47:48 PST
Article explaining why wine makers are now using screw cap closures, and why a consumer doesn't need to worry about the bottle being "cheap".

Easy, healthy, cheap dinners with cheap but good wines

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:25:49 PST
Heading says it all. Ctrl alt chicken should have been like this. And you know Kevin loves his wine now. Even geeks can cook and wine it out.

Do Screw Caps instead of Corks = Cheap Wine?

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 07:56:54 PST
StormHoek, (the "social media" wine, made popular due to the fact that it was the first wine blogged about), wrote an entry about their throughts..

Cheap Kitchen accessories for UK delivery

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:47:55 PST
Katiewong in materials, design, and construction have all contributed to the wide variety and attractive wine racks available today . Beautifully designed, ready assembled, frees standing bottles Wine Rack made from chrome plated stainless steel. Please purchase online www.katiewongnyc.com in Newyork.

Expensive Wines Actually Taste Better than Cheap Wines...

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 15:19:20 PST
...even when they are exactly the same wine.

Homecoming Queens On Saturday Nights

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 09:56:45 PST
On any given Saturday night, former high school trauma’s become only a laughable memory at the hands of friends over wine and swapped stories. Sometimes the stories are so vivid that I swear I can still smell cheap mascara and perfume floating down the hallways from the girl’s room.


Wine Course
Tags: Wine Holder | Wine House

Labels: Wine Project

Posted by Patrick Jackson | 0 comments

Wine is a product made from fruits like grapes, berries etc by drying them and later fermenting them. When the grapes ferment the sugar in the grapes convert to alcohol. They are available in various colors and textures depending upon the elements present in them. For example, the wine exhibits a reddish color when the seeds and the skin of the grapes are present during the fermentation process. When it is fermented without any quantity of non-juicy parts they turn pinkish.

The three main categories in wine are fortified wine, sparkling wine or table wine. It is known as a fortified wine when a little brandy is added to enrich the alcoholic content. It is termed as still or sparkling depending upon the CO2 quantity. Table wine is available in a very natural form and is not like the other wine.

Grapes are usually the best ingredients used in the preparation of wine. There is an equal proportion of sugar and acid in them, which cannot be found in any other fruit. High temperature heat is required to dry away the grapes. You must have a thorough knowledge regarding the exact harvesting season. If the harvesting is delayed you may not be able to produce a good quality wine because the level of sugar increases and the acidic extent gets too low.

At the initial stage of processing, the grapes are crushed using a large cylindrical container that inflates the juicy part of the grapes in the large bags that are attached. They are then fermented by heating the juicy part. In the process of heating the yeast that is present helps converting the sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Sometimes this solution requires fermentation for the second time due to malic acid present. When the malic acid breaks downs into lactic acid and carbon dioxide, it adds a new buttery flavor to the wine.

The next step carried out is to settle all the particles like yeast cells, or any other material flowing on the top layer. It is then filtered and all the sediments are gathered on the filter. Winery aging is the process where the wine is tightly packed in containers not allowing the air to enter in them for nearly several months and sometimes years. The wine is then transferred in small bottles and sold.

Bottling is done in such a way that it becomes easy to identify the various types of wine. Also colored bottles reduce the chances of damage, oxidation and many other risks.

After buying a wine product it is important to store it in a right place. Usually damp and cool places like underground cellars are more appropriate. There are some underlying principles regarding the storage of wine. It should be stored in a cellar at a temperature of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature fluctuates it will harm the quality of wine. Humidity about 60 % is necessary to keep the cork moist. Low temperatures will slow the process. Wine should be kept away from external sources like light, vibration and strong odors, which are obviously the barriers to the formation of a good quality wine.

About the Author

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1538.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL which is mentioned above.

A synopsis on Varietal Wine.

Why Australia for Fine Wines?


Australia, the land DownUnder, has become a major and exciting force in international wines. Australian wine is taking the world by storm, due to the ...


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Featured Varietal Wine Items

20 Stem Iris with Vase


Send a spectacular spring showing with our 15 stem Iris bouquet. These graceful midnight blue blossoms are shipped in the budding stage, ready to burst into bloom upon arrival. Our iris will arrive boxed and ready for the recipient to arrange. FF62P


Price: 43.99 USD



Headlines on Varietal Wine

Tasting Olive Oil In The Heart of Napa Valley

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:51:58 PST
Take on olive oil tour and tasting at Round Pond, a gorgeous estate filled with olive trees and vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley. Read about the experience at ILoveOliveOilBlog.com.

Mother of 2 loses legs to DUI illegal on probation

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:37:33 PST
The Napa woman whose legs were crushed when she was hit by a drunk driver Sunday night has a long, tough road to recovery. Doctors at Queen of the Valley Medical Center operated on Lilian Clark the night of the crash, amputating both of her legs just above the knee, according to her husband, John Clark.

Weekend in Napa Valley

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 19:12:26 PST
Winter is a great time to explore the Napa Valley.

36 hours in Napa valley

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:47:01 PST
Striking waves of mustard flower. Rolling fields of budding vines. No traffic. You might need to pack an umbrella and an extra sweater, but winter is a surprisingly beautiful time to visit the Napa Valley of California.

36 Hours in Napa Valley

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:01:13 PST
You might need to pack an umbrella and an extra sweater, but winter is a surprisingly beautiful time to visit the Napa Valley of California.

A Tast of Napa Valley

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:48:34 PST
Inevitably, each year we have the pleasure of turning another year older. Lucky me, I turned 30 last Friday. While I’ve always yearned for a weekend of wine tasting, I haven’t been fortunate enough until last weekend.


Wine Club
Tags: Italian Wine

Labels: Pot Rack

Posted by Patrick Jackson | 0 comments