The great estate are turning to biodynamics

Biodynamics is a viticulture practice that uses 100% natural products, from the treatment of the vines to the winemaking stages. Biodynamics is based on very precise specifications. Each action on the vine is punctuated by the lunar calendar and biodynamic preparations such as herbal teas.

The pioneers of the practice developed in Alsace and the Loire Valley. Zind Humbrecht and Nicolas Joly are the two precursors in France. Other legendary estates also turned to biodynamics very early on, such as Domaine Chapoutier in the Rhône, or Domaine Leflaive and Domaine de la Romanée Conti in the Burgundy region.

The most beautiful references in biodynamics

Burgundy and its big names

Burgundy is known for its unique climates but also for its great estates with an international reputation. Domaine de la Romanée Conti, undoubtedly the most famous wine in the world, has always practiced biodynamic viticulture in its vineyards. However, not wanting to be certified for decades, it was only in 2016 that the managers took the plunge and were certified with the French Biodyvin label.

Maison Leroy, a legendary name in Burgundy, is also biodynamic. Anne-Claude Leflaive took over the family estate in 1990 and adopted this viticulture method. In 25 years, her determination and expertise in the vineyards have made her one of the pillars of biodynamics in Burgundy.

The Châteaux of Bordeaux and biodynamics

Château Pontet-Canet launches the movement in Bordeaux

Since 2006, Château Pontet-Canet has been one of the first great Bordeaux Châteaux to turn to biodynamics.

First in sustainable cultivation and then very quickly certified organic, Pontet-Canet took another step forward with this Biodyvin certification in 2010 after three years of conversion.

Pontet Canet, fifth classified growth in the official 1855 classification, is the first classified growth to embark on this radical change.

Today other big names in Bordeaux are taking the same path as Château Pontet Canet.

Palmer and La Lagune are getting into it too!

Located on the Brauzes plateau, Château Palmer began its conversion to Biodynamics in 2008 on only 1 hectare of vines. Gradually, the transition to biodynamics increased to reach the entire vineyard, i.e. 55 hectares in 2014. On the property, no more weedkillers, sheep take care of the grass in the vineyards. It was only in 2020 that the famous Bordeaux Château obtained its Biodyvin certification.

More recently, Château La Lagune is turning to the Biodyvin label for certification in 2021. Owner Caroline Frey is convinced of the benefits of biodynamics within the estate’s vineyards.

A responsible dimension but not only…

Biodynamics is above all a philosophy of life and beliefs linked to the land. Winegrowers who choose to turn to this type of viticulture do not do so out of fashion or just out of ecological awareness, but rather for their values ​​and beliefs about the benefits of biodynamic actions on their vineyard.

Maison Chapoutier, which has been cultivating its vines biodynamically since the early 1990s, does not just act in its vineyards. For Michel Chapoutier, its manager, the responsible dimension goes much further. This is why, since 1996, all bottles of Domaine Chapoutier have had a Braille inscription on their labels. An initiative that opens the way to sharing for all, because wine is undeniably a symbol of conviviality. This action is perfectly associated with the values ​​of biodynamics with which the Domaine identifies.

Our selection of biodynamic wines

Château Pontet Canet 2014

Rated 95/100 by Robert Parker Wine Advocate in may 2020

“Deep garnet with a touch of purple to the color, the 2014 Pontet-Canet has a very serious, classic Pauillac nose of cassis jam, cooked blackberries and warm black plums with suggestions of menthol, pencil lead, wood smoke, cassia and cast iron skillet plus a hint of baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the mouth with black and blue fruit jams with a rock-solid structure of grainy tannins and bold freshness, giving momentum to the long, exotic, spiced finish. It’s approachable now, but should really start dropping jaws in 4-5 years.”

See the Château Pontet Canet 2014

Deiss Marcel 2005

Rated 95/100 by Robert Parker Wine Advocate in february 2008

“The 2005 Schoenenbourg is even more intensely perfumed than the 2004, with gardenia, lily and chamomile supported by honey, brown spices and herbal distillates, and hinting at ocean breezes. Creamy and ultra-rich in texture, with copious portions of candied citrus, herbal essences, marzipan and honey, it nevertheless retains elegance and refinement – a testament, among other things, to the subtle near-perfection of the botrytis. Slightly less remarkable on the finish than the 2004, it is still extraordinarily long, as it will no doubt be vivacious.”

See the Marcel Deiss 2005

Domaine de la Romanée Conti 1998

Rated 91/100 by Allen Meadow in april 2015

“I have noticed that some bottles of the ’98 DRC have a slightly cloudy appearance and reduced aromas. This most recent bottle, however, had a beautifully spicy nose of wonderfully complex and now fully ripe secondary fruit aromas. The medium-bodied, rich and equally spicy flavors are shaped by now relatively supple tannins on the delicious, balanced and lingering finish. Multiple and mostly consistent notes, although I have had a few bottles where the reduction was pronounced enough to detract from the overall drinking experience.”

See the Domaine de la Romanée Conti 1998

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