Food & Drink
Going “green” with the grapes
These days, we’re more aware of how our vegetables are grown and how our meat is raised. But we may not be paying as much attention to how the grapes used to make our wines are cultivated.
We’ve taken stock of wines made from organic grapes and found three to suit any need.
Meinklang Pinot Noir 2011
$17, Siema Wines
Pinot Noir is a fickle grape, giving growers all manner of
problems—temperature sensitivity, molds, and predation from insects to
birds and deer. But Austria’s Meinklang cultivates robust biodiversity
in its vineyards, making it difficult for Pinot’s enemies to establish
themselves.
This wine will please fans of France’s Burgundy region with its similar highlights of currant and raspberry.
Nuevo Mundo Sauvignon Blanc 2013
$15, Organic Vintners
This Chilean offering has all the hallmarks of a classic Sauvignon
Blanc with bright, lemon-lime citrus notes and a racy acidity. It’s a
deliciously juicy and versatile wine that pairs well with mild cheese
and seafood.
Edmunds St. John Rocks and Gravel 2012
$32, Potomac Selections
This bottling—a blend of organically grown Grenache, Syrah, and
Mourvèdre—is a supple exercise in restraint with red raspberry and
cherry from the Grenache,
a hint of savory smoke from the Syrah, and
an earthy grip from the Mourvèdre. This is a medium-bodied effort that
isn’t light on flavor.