I know, the title suggests there will myths de-bunked herein, but these may be more than that. These may actually be dirty deeds being done dirt cheap. (Mea culpa, I could not resist the AC/DC reference.
READ Part I
Natural wines are better
I call this: “Have you had the latest Orange-Pet-Nat-Sulphur-Free wine made from a field blend of Georgian indigenous grapes from which the vines were only treated with whale poop?” Unfortunately, I have. More unfortunately there are plenty more out there, mostly touted by Fedora-wearing self-accredited wine experts and wine editors from big-city, tres-chic hipsters, who tell you that you must like them because they are interesting and the new wave. I wish I was joking, or even incorrect, but the facts are the facts.
First of all, there is no accepted definition of natural wine, so there is that.
First of all, there is no accepted definition of natural wine, so there is that. And would someone please show some science that states exactly what is evil or unnatural about adding an appropriate amount of sulfur to wine? Which, by the way, naturally lives on grapes anyway and is one of the main substances that inhibits bad microbes. Stop saying the emperor is clothed. However, if you claim to know what defines natural wine and enjoy tasting through the gamut of wines that are more flawed and yuckier than natural to get to something palatable, get down with your bad self.
Organic & biodynamic farming
The next myth: A complete commitment to organic and/or biodynamic farming is better for our planet. This one is often propagated by the same voodoo pseudo-scientists that flap on about natural wine — this myth is about as well thought through as that. A practice called sustainable, which is less dogmatic about specific practices, can be more beneficial.
One example is vineyard weeding. While sustainable farming may use chemicals for this task, this can be more earth-friendly because organic and biodynamic systems require hand weeding, which needs to be done more frequently and takes more manpower. In many cases those workers need to travel to the vineyard, which means multiple motor vehicle trips per season. You can see where this can be harder on the overall environment.
This is but one example and my point is if the goal is saving the earth, greater flexibility wins the day. Sustainable is also a commitment to the vineyard and winery workers and includes fair wages and good living conditions for those folks.
By the way, Sonoma County has made a commitment to 100 percent sustainability and is now a world leader in that field; so, buying Sonoma wine is a good way to vote with your dollars.
