Organic Wines

One of the fastest-growing areas of the wine industry is the earth-friendly winery. Environmental stewardship seems to be one of the few things the wine world agrees on across all borders, though commercial considerations continue to mitigate against such methods around the globe as well. Whether tagged organic, eco-friendly, biodynamic, or grown using sustainable farming, it is about letting the dirt and the fruit do the work. Such vines can have lower yields, thus the resulting wines can be more expensive—but you can taste the difference. France 44 has a great handout explaining the whole subject. Most of these types of wines describe their methods on labels. It’s good for the earth, good for the wine, and better for you. 

TASTINGS
This month’s selections, as well as many more, are available throughout the Cities. I found good selections of organic and similar wines at France 44, Sam’s Washington Avenue Wine Shop, Solo Vino, and Surdyk’s.

Napa Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2004 (Napa Valley), $14.99
Crisp and clean with perfect sauvignon blanc tartness. The lemon and grapefruit flavors jump at you, and you can’t wait for the next sip. Try it with raw oysters; you won’t need to add lemon.

Domaine Bott-Geyl Pinot Blanc 2002 (Alsace), $14.99
Peaches with a touch of honey can’t be bad. This beautiful wine would make any nice summer day even better. Try it with fresh melon or a lightly dressed and chilled pasta salad.

Frog’s Leap Zinfandel 2004 (Napa), $29.99
Big, spicy, and delicious. Full-bodied with cherry and blackberry fruit, a little cedar, and a long finish. If you must drink wine with barbecue, this is the one.

Chateau Couronneau 2003 (Bordeaux), $12.99
A light blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cabernet franc. A soft wine from beginning to finish with cassis and vanilla flavors throughout. Great for sipping with cheese. A value and worth a try.

Chateau de Beaucastel Chateaunuef du Pape 2003 (Rhone Valley), $79.99
This classic from a classic producer is one of the best the Rhone has to offer. It’s a blend of up to thirteen grapes, and as complex as you imagine it would be. It changes with each taste. Decant half an hour before drinking, but taste it first so you can experience the changes.

Cartier Mas de Gourgonnier 2003 (Provence), $14.99
A rich balanced blend of six Rhone grapes, this wine smells and tastes more expensive than it is, and is my pick of the bunch. It’s rich with red berry fruit, chocolate notes, and spice. Complex, but not over the top.

Bill Coy runs Vintage U, which organizes wine tastings, classes, and events for corporate groups, wine enthusiasts, and the general public. Reach him at vintageu@msn.com