if you prefer wines from eco-friendly, environmentally aware producers. About half the vineyards on our lists use environmentally friendly techniques while all our vineyards produce hand crafted wines in preference to mass volume production. Look for our green glass symbol if you prefer wines from eco-friendly, environmentally aware producers. About half the vineyards on our lists use environmentally friendly techniques while all our vineyards produce hand crafted wines in preference to mass volume production.
Bio dynamics
"I can recommend the excellent green," is not as daft as it sounds. Production methods dating back centuries are being re-discovered as an increasing number of French vineyards reject chemicals, preferring to let nature and local wildlife control pests and encourage growth of quality grapes.
In the past, chemicals have been seen as a short cut to satisfying demand for high production volume with consistent quality. Today, more and more smaller French vineyards are favouring bio dynamics or other eco-friendly, environmentally aware techniques, their wines following centuries old traditions of style with quality of vintage dependent on soil, climate and skill rather than artificial aids.
Producers are joining organisations such as Terra-Vitis (living earth) whose members must use approved growing methods and respect the environment. The organisation BioBourgogne, in Auxerre, Burgundy, say that the move back to nature follows several industry initiatives since the late nineties with consumers and producers becoming more aware of the amount of chemicals used in agriculture.
'Organic'
There are several bodies dedicated to organic farming in France, so definitions and specifications can vary. Buyers looking for organic wines should question the producer in some detail.