What is Biodynamic Wine? Get to Know 10 Biodynamic Producers

Led by Vanya Cullen, Cullen is the only biodynamic and carbon-negative winery in Margaret River, Australia, producing quality wines that are chemical-free. Cullen Margaret River Diana Madeline 2018 has been awarded as one of the “Top 100 Wines of 2020” by the wine critic team of JamesSuckling.com. Furthermore, Vanya has been named the Winemaker of the Year in 2019 and 2020. As a dedicated environmentalist, she has spent over 14 years studying biodynamic and carbon-negative farming to tackle climate change!

Grenache is one of the most trending grape varieties in Australia. If you’re looking for something pure, elegant, and exquisite, you should go for Yangarra Old Vine Grenache.

Peter Fraser, the Yangarra’s owner, is passionate and dedicated to running the vineyard with guardianship than ownership. Peter nurtures his land of 170 hectares, and almost half of it is given over to native vegetation and wildlife. This supports the sustainability of the land along with his biodynamic practice, it also protects the heritage and beliefs of the indigenous peoples.

d’Arenberg is one of the most iconic wineries in South Australia, which is certified organic and Biodynamic. To produce wines of great finesse in tannin structure, d’Arenberg wines are all basket pressed (grapes being squeezed by a unique device to extract juice) after fermentation. Basket pressed wine contains less astringency from the skin and seeds because of the gentle pressing process, while preserving the complexity.  d’Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz is the iconic wine that always displays the power and intensity of McLaren Vale Shiraz, featuring rustic blackberry flavours and notes of tar, black pepper, and tobacco, accented by a hint of leather.

Felton Road is unquestionably an artisan, boutique winery, located in Bannockburn, Central Otago. It is one of the most well-known and acclaimed Biodynamic producers in New Zealand, which insists on making wines with 100% estate-grown grapes, ranked #4 in The Real Review “Top New Zealand Wineries 2020”. Owner Nigel Greening has always been the No.1 fan of Felton Road. He purchased the estate in 2000 and has focused on planting grapes according to the biodynamic principle ever since. As the superstar of Felton Road, its Pinot Noir was awarded the highest honour, Five Stars, in The Great New Zealand Pinot Noir Classification and is considered the best interpretation of the variety in the New World; as for the whites, Chardonnay and Riesling have also received great reviews as well, which makes Felton Road a winery not to be missed.

Managed by the super-knowledgeable owner/winemaker Olivier Humbrecht MW, who is the first Master of Wine (MW) from France, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is one of the most celebrated Biodynamic producers in Alsace, France. Very few winemakers have achieved this qualification, which is considered one of the highest standards of professional knowledge in the wine world. Since the first exam in the 50s, less than 500 people have obtained the MW qualification.

Under the leadership of Olivier, the winery emphasizes respect for nature and striking a balance in the eco-system to express the true sense of place and soil. It has become one of the most prominent pioneers and authorities in the field, now offering a wide range of sought-after Alsace whites, such as Riesling, Pinot Gris & Gewurztraminer, and the prices are very affordable!

Domaine de la Vougeraie is the largest certified organic producer in the Côte d’Or, Burgundy. The name comes from the significant holdings – and indeed the owner’s home – in the village of Vougeot. No expense has been spared in production terms. The premier and grand cru vineyards are all farmed biodynamically with carefully limited yields so that the resulting wines can be the perfect expression of the land. The cellar has been equipped with a battery of new or renovated wooden fermentation vats, a state-of-the-art sorting table, and a new model of the old-fashioned vertical press which is thought to be the best option for red wines.

Avignonesi winery is located in Tuscany, central Italy. Since the present owner Virginie Saverys purchased the winery in 2009, Avignonesi has grown in size and become the leader of Biodynamic viticulture in Italy. Virginie has demonstrated her perseverance in taking care of the land and winemaking, aiming at creating “Healthier wines for healthier people, but also a healthier land and a healthier environment to pass on to future generations.” The minimal un-natural intervention approach has resulted in unique wines that are true to the origins, highlighting and enhancing the richness and elegance of Montepulciano heritage.

Take Avignonesi Da Di Toscana Rosso as an example. The name “Da Di” in Chinese means “The Great Earth”, chosen to underline the expression of the unique soils of Tuscany with 100% Sangiovese. Medium body, sleek texture, and mouth-watering red berries and cherries tantalise the senses, giving way to a soft spicy finish.

Musella is located in Valpolicella, one of the most famous wine regions in Italy. It’s particularly known for its intensely-flavoured and powerful Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva. The winery owns three vineyards. Their variety of soil composition and the flavourable exposition have resulted in wines of elegance and complexity.

What’s more, as a conscious choice born out of love and respect for the land, Musella has been following the biodynamic viticulture methods and was certified Biodynamic in 2016. They produce wines that can express a great sense of place.

Rudi Bauer, the founder/winemaker of Quartz Reef is a big shot in the wine industry of New Zealand – named “New Zealand Winemaker of the Year” twice and lead the winery to win “Top 10 Wineries of New Zealand” in 2020.  The winery mainly produces Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines, Pinot Noir & Pinot Gris, which are characterized by great flavours and intensity. They received exceptional reviews from wine critics and won a collection of major wine awards! Their winemaking philosophy is based on Biodynamics. They not only eliminate the use of chemicals and fertilizers, but also promote the health of the soils and vines. In return, they manage to make wines with minimal human intervention, expressing the true flavours of the terroir.

For people who first try them, you may start with their Methode Traditionnelle Brut NV or Methode Traditionnelle Rose NV. They are both sparkling wines made with traditional winemaking methods of Champagne, displaying remarkable purity and balance, and the price is very affordable! A wine critic even said, “I doubt you will find a better non-vintage New Zealand sparkler”. Perfect for daily drinking or partying!

Pyramid Valley is a winery that aims at producing wines that “breathe of their place”. It tends its estates according to the principles of biodynamics, working with the energy of the cosmos to create wines that express the characteristics of their sites. The winery’s story began at Waikari Estate, North Canterbury in 2000 and opened a new chapter in 2018 when they expanded to Central Otago. These remarkable sites are where they produced some of the most profound Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the world. They think by taking care of the soil and ecosystem of the sites and letting nature work her wonders can they create handcrafted wines that are so unique that taste like nowhere else on earth. Its winemaking follows natural principles too, with the use of indigenous yeasts, natural fining, and minimal/no filtration. Every bottle is a reflection of the taste of the land, making them particularly worth trying!