What is the ‘ Green Cork ’?
Where to look at Banville & Jones
green cork
What is the ‘ Green Cork ’?
By Mike Muirhead
What does it mean today to be “ green ”? In this column , we will explore what makes wine “ green ” and what is being done to reduce the impact that wine production has on the environment .
Many of you have come into Banville & Jones and asked for organic wine , some out of curiosity , some out of environmental concern , and some for health reasons — all great reasons to try organic wine . The truth is , wine has been produced using organic processes for centuries , and it is only in the past 3 decades , with modern technology , advanced agriculture , and a shrinking world market , that organic wine has become big business .
There are many rules — some may say too many — governing the production of organic wine . In order to bear the “ organic ” label , wine must be certified by an international governing body such as Ecocert or ISO . This certification indicates that , during the winemaking process , the producer has used no synthetic products ( herbicides , pesticides , etc ); the level of sulphites have been kept to low or no addition ; no synthetic additives have been used , and , in Europe , it also means that no genetically modified organisms were used in the production of grapes ( e . g . in grape vines ).
These seem like pretty easy rules to follow , but you also have to remember that wine production serves as the livelihood of many people .
Let ’ s bring this closer to home . Say you ’ re a wheat farmer on the Manitoba prairies and you have a horrible fungal problem that threatens to wipe out your entire crop and income . Are you going to sit back and let the infestation take place , or take action to make sure that your whole year isn ’ t a waste ? The decision seems obvious .
The same goes for grape growing . For the most part , we are talking about operations that are still family-run businesses that rely on this crop as their livelihood . In order to maintain organic status , they have to complete and maintain standards for 3 years , before being certified . This process comes at a very large cost to the grape grower / winemaker , and if they experience one of those really bad years where they have to spray to save their crop , they have to start all over again .
In future articles , we will discuss the alternatives and enhancements to organic viticulture ( sustainable farming , biodynamic , carbon neutral ), how these effect the environment , and how winemaking has evolved to be both eco-friendly and damaging to the environment at the same time .
There are several ways in which winemakers can “ go green .” At Banville & Jones , we promote eco-friendly wine made by people who care about the land for future generations of wine and winemakers . �
Where to look at Banville & Jones
We have many wines that are organic , biodynamic , carbon neutral , and we also represent wines from wineries that promote sustainable agriculture . That ’ s a lot of words , so we use ‘ Eco-Friendly ’ to mark them throughout the store . See any of our customer representatives for details on the wines that interest you !
CARBON NEUTRAL : Parducci 2006 Pinot Noir , California , United States – The first in the United States to go neutral ! Light and luscious with red strawberry , this Pinot features a touch of spice and a clean finish . – $ 17.99
ORGANIC : Paul Blanck 2006 Riesling AOC Alsace , France – This French organic offering is a fresh , clean , mediumbodied gem ! Full of lime and a touch of petrol , with racy acidity and a long , clean finish , it is the perfect pairing for your next spicy Thai meal . – $ 25.99
BIODYNAMIC : Burge Family Winemakers 2004 D & OH Shiraz-Grenache , Barossa Valley , Australia – Rated by Robert Parker Jr . as one of the WORLD ’ S best wine estates . Big and rich yet subtle and restrained , this wine offers roasted herbs , berries , dusty tannins and beautiful mouth feel . – $ 59.99
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