Escrito por It’s been a banner year for organic, biodynamic, and wines made with organic grapes. Bottles are winning awards, topping lists, and taking the spotlight.
Ann Arnold, owner of OrganicWineExchange.com notes that «It’s important for consumers to realize that organic and biodynamic wines don’t get judged by a classification of their own just because they are produced differently. They are rated in magazines and judged in wine competitions alongside all wines in their respective classification. And they are performing remarkably well!”
Whether you are new to organic and biodynamic wines or a seasoned aficionado, this guide will help you curate the perfect wine for your palate and start building an enviable wine collection. To give you the best advice, we went to the wine experts to give you the insider knowledge to navigate the incredible number of choices in organic, biodynamic and wine “made with organic grapes”.
NOTE: If you want to skip to the 2018 Organic Wine List, simply, scroll down. But if you want tips from wine experts on how to choose just the right wine for your palate and budget, keep reading.
Look For «Great Value» Wines
“I would say being aware of good vintages is a key. Great producers find a way to make great wine every year but in benchmark vintages like 2005 in Bordeaux or 2013 in Napa,» says Brahm Callahan, Master Sommelier & Ribera del Duero and Rueda ambassador. «There was a lot of great wine available with a much better quality to price ratio than you might normally see in those wine regions. Also, value can be found in new emerging regions that weren’t part of the traditional market.»
“Grape varieties that we call ‘Rhone varietals’, such as Syrah, are a great bet for quality and value,» according to Erica Nonni of Nonni Strategic Marketing. «They have broad appeal without the high prices that Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir can command. In Italy, Sagrantino is a star grape that’s gaining renown (and higher prices) in the USA, while its ‘sibling’ Rosso di Montefalco is a steal.”
“The Anderson Valley, California is a hidden secret for those who love Burgundy, but are looking for wines with tremendous value,» says Darrin Low, winemaker at Domaine Anderson.
«Don’t just ask for a Cabernet or a Pinot Noir,» suggests Luigi Capasso, Senior Beverage Manager at il Vino EATALY, Los Angeles. «Tell us the occasion, who is coming, what you are serving and your budget and we can recommend a wine you will love.»
Don’t Only Choose Award-winning Wine
“Not all wineries can afford to enter their wines to be judged,» advises Ann Arnold, owner of OrganicWineExchange.com. «There are many wineries that do not get the recognition they deserve. In my opinion, the best judges are at home exploring organic and biodynamic wines and finding gems that suit their individual palate.»
Explore your Palate at Free Wine Tastings
Most cities have a plethora of boutique wine shops and larger wine stores – most of which offer free wine tasting. For example, Il Vino at EATALY Los Angeles offers free wine tastings every day in the early evening where you can chat with a knowledgeable wine representative – and even sip wine while you shop.
Invest in a Coravin
If you’re serious about starting an organic wine collection, Coravin allows you to pour wine through the cork without actually opening the bottle. Which means you can have a glass of Chardonnay one day and a glass of Nero d’Avola the next without ever wasting wine that you can’t finish. Many restaurants use Coravin for their library wines to keep them fresh and ready to pour. This also makes luxury wine more available by the glass. It’s a brilliant solution when you want excellent wine – but only a glass.
Consider Quality/Price Ratio – Instead of Just the Price
“Price (high or low) doesn’t necessarily equate to quality, says Callahan. «There are too many outside factors that affect quality to narrow it down.”
“You can get fantastic quality at $30 retail. Even at $15 retail the quality available is better than ever,» says Nonni. «In the USA this is a golden age for price/quality ratio in wine and the sheer selection to which US wine lovers have access. You generally find better quality/price ratio at many price points from Chile, which is a viticultural paradise thanks to ideal climates and conditions for organic and sustainable winemaking and thankfully hasn’t seen marketing-driven inflation but still remains a bit under the radar.»
From the Organic Authority Files
Organic and Biodynamic Farming Enhances Your Tasting Experience
«Biodynamic and organic wines allow you to better taste the terroir where the grapes are grown that give the wine its unique characteristics,» says Giacomo Zondini, Wine Store Manager Il Vino, EATALY Los Angeles. «It allows the maximum expression of the wine.»
According to Federica Mascheroni Stianti, manager of the Prelius estate and global representative for Castello di Volpaia, organic farming is «not an option, it’s a requirement to produce better wines. Every day you delay the organic conversion is a day you’ll erode your business value rather than creating it.”
“Wine taste and how the grapes are grown is dependent on everything from rainfall to irrigation and whether or not the soil has chemicals in it,» says Callahan. «For example, biodynamic farming in D.O.’s Ribera del Duero and Rueda, involves managing a farm utilizing the principles of a living organism and pursues the balance of the land where the vines are grown to promote its health.”
“I strive to create terroir-driven wines with a sense of place, showing the uniqueness of the Anderson Valley. This region was chosen by the House of Champagne Louis Roederer in 1981 for Domaine Anderson as the ideal location for spectacular Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays,» says Darrin Low, winemaker at Domaine Anderson. «We follow biodynamic principles, treating our grapes with care, and are always guided by our philosophy of minimal intervention throughout the winemaking process. These principles are used by many famed Burgundy producers.»
2018 Organic Wine List
This list of organic, biodynamic and wines made with «organic grapes» features unique varietals from around the world, excellent value wines, and emerging wine regions along with traditional ones. You’ll also find three delicious biodynamic orange wines to try. All the wines are numbered for easy reference but do not reflect ranking as you’ll find a variety of wonderful wines from all over the world at every price point.
White Wine
- Emidio Pepe Trebbiano, Abruzzo 2012 $105 (Biodynamic)
- Emidio Pepe Pecorino, Abruzzo 2015 $99 (Biodynamic)
- Cellario E Bianco, Piemonte 2015 $18 (Biodynamic)
- Corte Sant’Alda Soave, Veneto 2016 $24 (Biodynamic)
- Gravner Bianco Breg, Friuli Venezia Giulia, 2008, $79 (Biodynamic)
- Raimat Saira, Albarino, Costers del Segre, 2014, $12.99
- Cos Phitos Bianco, Sicily 2015 $44 (Biodynamic)
- Youngberg Hill, Aspen, Chardonnay, McMinnville, 2015, $40 (Biodynamic)
- Montinore Estate, Pinot Gris, 2016, Willamette Valley, $16 (Biodynamic)
- Montinore Estate, Almost Dry Riesling, 2016, Willamette Valley, $16 (Biodynamic)
- Castello Colle Massiri, Melacce, Vermentino, Montecucco Vermentino Doc, Montecucco, Tuscany , Italy 2016, $19.99
- Ripe Life Wines, The Clambake Unoaked Chardonnay,100% Single Vineyard Chardonnay, Mendocino, CA Batch 4, 2014, $19
- Keeler, Dolia Pinot Gris, Eola, Amity Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, OR, 2016, $24 (Biodynamic, 91 pts Editors Choice, Wine Enthusiast)
- Keeler, Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, OR, 2015, $32 (Biodynamic, 90 pts, Wine Enthusiast)
- DeLoach Vineyards Estate Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, 2015, $50 (Silver, Harvest Challenge 2017)
- BasileArteteca, Vermintino Toscana 2015 $13
- Querciabella, Batàr, Toscana IGT, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Tuscany, 2014, $79.99 (Biodynamic)
- Valori Pecorino DOC, 100% Pecornio, Abruzzo, Italy, 2016, $20
- Maysara Winery, Arsheen, Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, McMinnville AVA, Oregon, 2016, $16 (Biodynamic)
- Maysara Winery, Autees, Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley, McMinnville AVA, Oregon, 2016, $17 (Biodynamic)
- Maysara Winery, Anahita, Riesling, Willamette Valley, McMinnville AVA, Oregon, 2016, $24 (Biodynamic)
- Inkarri Estate White Blend, 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 20% Viognier, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza Region, Argentina, $13.99 (Biodynamic)
- Pizzolato Manzoni Bianco, 100% Manzoni, Piave D.O.C., Veneto, North of Treviso, Italy, 2016, $12.99
- 2016 Cooper Mountain Pinot Gris, Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley AVA, 2016, $16 (Biodynamic, Low Intervention)
- Quivira, Sauvignon Blanc, Fig Tree Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley 2016 $24
- Chacewater «Teal» Chardonnay, Lake County, CA 2014 $33 (Organic, 93 pts Wine Enthusiast)
- Vignobles Raymond, Les Hauts De Lagarde Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, Bordeaux France 2016 $14 (90 pts. Wine Enthusiast)
- Clos du Gravillas, L’Inattendu, Grenach/Macabeo, Minervois, France 2015 $36 (93 pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)
- Pratello Lugana. Tubiana, Padenghe, Italy 2016 $18 (90 pts. Wine Enthusiast)
- Prelius Vermentino, Maremma Toscana, 2016, $16
- Matetic Vineyards, EQ Sauvignon Blanc, San Antonio Valley, Chile, 2016, $15
- Bonterra, “The Roost, Single-Vineyard Chardonnay, Blue Heron Vineyard, 2015, $40 (Biodynamic)
- Marcel Deiss, Riesling, Alsace, France 2012 $25 (Biodynamic)
Red Wine
- Montinore, Estate Reserve Pinot Noir, 2015, Willamette Valley, $35 (Biodynamic)
- Corte Sant’Alda Valpolicella Ca Fiui, Veneto 2015 $21 (Biodynamic)
- Montinore, Parsons’ Ridge Pinot Noir, 2014, Willamette Valley, $50 (Biodynamic)
- Basile Cartacanta, Montecucco Sangiovese, 2013 $20
- Basile Ad Agio, Montecuocco Sangiovese Riserva, 2012 $31
- Castello Colle Massiri , Rigoleto, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Ciliegiolo, Montecucco Rosso Doc, Montecucco, Tuscany , Italy 2015, $19
- Castello Colle Massiri , ColleMassari, Monteuccco Rosso Riserva Doc, Montecucco, Tuscany, Italy , 2014, $24
- Castello Colle Massiri, Poggio Lombrone, Sangiovese, Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva Docg, Montecucco, Tuscany , Italy 2013, $49
- Keeler, Reserve Pinot Noir – Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, OR, 2014, $48 (Biodynamic, 90 pts, Wine Enthusiast)
- Stellar Organics The River’s End, Pinot Noir, South Africa, 2011, $13.99
- Kirios de Adrada, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, 2014, $8.99
- Dominio de Pingus, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, 2015, $29.99
- Matetic Vineyards, Syrah, San Antonio Valley, Chile, 2010, $29
- Agricola Brandini Dolcetto d’Alba DOC, 100% Dolcetto, Piemonte, Italy, 2014, $23
- DeLoach Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, 2014 $70 (Gold, Sommelier Challenge International Wine & Sprits Competition 2017)
- Big Table Farm, Wirtz Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2015, $48 (Wine Spectator 92 pts, International Wine Report 94 pts)
- Corte Sant’Alda Amarone, Veneto 2012 $95 (Biodynamic)
- Big Table Farm, Cattrall Brothers Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, 2015, $48 (Wine Spectator 92 pts, International Wine Report 93 pts)
- Raymond Vineyards 1 ½ Acres, Bordeaux Blend, Napa Valley, 2013, $112
- 1865, Viña San Pedro, Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Valley in Chile, 2014, $16.99
- Basile Comandante, Maremma Toscana, 2012 $15
- Tenuta di Valgiano Valgaino Rosso, Toscany 2013 $91 (Biodynamic)
- Tenuta di Valgiano Palistrorti Rosso 2013 $32 (Biodynamic)
- Querciabella Camartina, Tuscany 2000 $154 (Biodynamic)
- Maysara Winery, Jamsheed, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, McMinnville, Oregon, 2011, $25 (Biodynamic)
- Dominio Romano, Tinto Finto, Ribera del Duero, 2012, $14
- Matarromera Granza, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, 2014, $15
- Raimat ‘Pirineca’ Tempranillo, D.O. Costers del Segre, Spain, $12
- Cos Nero di Lupo, Sicily 2015 $34 (Biodynamic)
- Cellario E Rosso, Piemonte 2015 $18 (Biodynamic)
- Raimat Boira, D.O. Costers del Segre, Spain, $12
- Bonterra Vineyards, Merlot, Mendocino Country, 2015 $16
- Maysara Winery, (Cyrus), Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, McMinnville AVA, Oregon, 2014, $36 (Biodynamic)
- Foradori Teroldego Granato, Trentino Alto Adige 2013 (Biodynamic)
- Foradori Teroldego, Trentino Alto Adige 2105 (Biodynamic)
- Maysara Winery, (Asha), Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, McMinnville AVA, Oregon, 2015, $39 (Biodynamic)
- Three Degrees, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, McMinnville AVA, Oregon, 2015, $20 (Biodynamic)
- Inkarri Estate Malbec, 100% Malbec, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza Region, Argentina, 2016, $13.99 (Biodynamic)
- Pizzolato, Cabernet, 100% Cabernet, Veneto I.G.T., Treviso, Italy, 2016, $12.99
- Sofos Greek Red, 50/50 Agiorgitiko, Cabernet, P.G.I. Korinthos, Klimenti, Greece, 2015, $12.99
- Granza Tinta de Toro, 100% Tinta de Toro, D.O. Toro, Valdefinjas, Toro, Spain, 2013, $14.99
- Pizzolato Raboso, 100% Raboso, D.O.C. Piave, North of Treviso, Italy 2014, $19.99
- 2014 Cooper Mountain Pinot Noir, Pinot noir, Willamette Valley AVA, 2014, $25 (Biodynamic, Low Intervention)
- Quivira GSM, Wine Creek Ranch, Dry Creek Valley 2015 $36 Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre (Biodynamic)
- Onward, Hawkeye Ranch, Carignane, Redwood Valley, California, 2014, $30.00
- Monte Zovo, Amarone della Valpolicella, Caprino, Italy 2013 $45
- Querciabella Mongrana, Toscana IGT, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Italy, Tuscany, 2014, $19.99 (Biodynamic)
- Querciabella Chianti Classico DOCG, Sangiovese, Italy, Tuscany, 2014, $36.99 (Biodynamic)
- Cos Rami, Sicily 2014 $32 (Biodynamic)
- Querciabella, Turpino, Toscana IGT, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot, Tuscany 2011 $59.99 (Biodynamic)
- Quivira, Zinfandel, Anderson Ranch, Dry Creek Valley 2015 $42 (Biodynamic)
- Dal Prete Primitivo, Puglia, 2015, $16
- Dal Prete Negroamaro, Puglia, 2015, $16
- Cos Frappato, Sicily 2016 $34 (Biodynamic)
- Gulfi Nero Blejo, Sicily, 2012, $23
- Gulfi Nero Baronj, Sicily, 2011, $31
- Domaine Anderson, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California, 2013, $39.99 (Biodynamic)
- Emidio Pepe Montepulciano, Abruzzo 1983 $289 (Biodynamic)
- Illahe Vineyards 2016 Estate Pinot Noir, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon, 2016, $22
- Grochau Cellars 2016 Commuter Cuvée, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon, 2016, $18
- Paxton Shiraz AAA Shiraz/Grenache, McLaren Vale, Austrailia 2015 $22 (96 pts James Halliday, Biodynamic)
- Paxton MV Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia 2015 $22 (Biodynamic, 96 pts James Halliday
- Inkarri Malbec Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina 2016 $18 (Biodynamic)
- Inkarri Red Blend, Mendoza, Argentina, 2016 $18 (Biodynamic, 92 pts. Tim Atkin)
- Viluko Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, CA 2012 $50 (90 pts. Robert Parker Advocate)
- Viluko Malbec, Sonoma County, CA 2012, $55 (90 pts. Robert Parker Advocate)
- Maysara Cyrus Pinot Noir, McMinnville, OR 2012 $36 92 pts. Wine Spectator, Biodynamic)
- Clos du Gravillas, Lo Vielh, Carignan, Minervois, France 2014 $36 ( 90 pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)
- Domaine Cedres, Cotes du Rhone Villages, Syrah/Grenache, 2015 $20, (90 pts Wine Advocate)
- Onward, Hawkeye Ranch, Pinot Noir, Redwood Valley, California, 2013, $38.00
- Onward, Cerise Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California, 2012, $58
- Cruz de Alba Finca Los Hoyales, Tempranillo, Ribera del Duero, 2012, $72 (Biodynamic)
- Grochau Cellars 2016 Melon de Bourgogne, Melon de Bourgogne, Willamette Valley AVA, Oregon, 2016, $18
- Youngberg Hill, Bailey, Pinot Noir, McMinnville, 2014, $40 (Biodynamic)
- Youngberg Hill, Natasha, Pinot Noir, McMinnville, 2014, $50 (Biodynamic)
- Youngberg Hill, Jordan, Pinot Noir, McMinnville, 2014, $50 (Biodynamic)
- Bonterra “The Butler” Single-Vineyard Red Blend, Butler Ranch 2013 $50 (Biodynamic)
- Bonterra “The McNab” Single Red Blend, McNab Ranch Vineyard 2013 $50 (Biodynamic)
- Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico, Sangiovese, Chianti Classico, 2015, $21 92 Points, «Best Buy» Wine Spectator)
- Les Dauphins Côtes du Rhône Villages, Rhône Valley, 2016, $18 («Best Buy,» Wine & Spirits Magazine, Rhone Valley Winery of the Year)
- Sokol Blosser, Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, Dunde Hills, 2015 $38
Rosé Wine
- Domaine Spiropoulos Meliasto Rosé, Moschofilero/Agiorgitiko, Mantinia, Greece, 2015, $18.99
- Valori Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC – 100% Montepulciano – Abruzzo, Italy, 2016 – $16
- Ripe Life Wines, The Clambake Limited Edition Rosé, 100% Single, Vineyard Carignan, Mendocino, CA, Batch 3, 2016, $19
- Sokol Blosser Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, Dunde Hills, 2017 $22
- Onward, Hawkeye Ranch, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Redwood Valley, California, 2016, $22.00
- Raimat Rosado, D.O. Costers del Segre, Spain, $12
Orange Wine
- Gravner Ribolla Gialla, Friuli Venezia Giulia 2008 $80 (Biodynamic)
- Radikon Ribolla Gialla, Friuli Venezia Giulia 2008 $32 (Biodynamic)
- Radikon Oslavje, Friuli Venezia Giulia 2008 $36.80 (Biodynamic)
Sparkling Wine
- Domaine Spiropoulos Ode Panos Brut, Moschofilero, Mantinia, Greece, 2014, $24
- Roederer Estate Brut Sparkling Wine, 58% Chardonnay/42% Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, California, Multi Vintage, $23
- La Staffa Brioso Sangiovese Sparkling, Umbria Non Vintage $23 (Biodynamic)
- Orsi San Vito Pignoletto Sparkling, NV, $21 (Biodynamic)
- Santa Julia Organic Blanc de Blancs, Chardonnay, Mendoza Argentina NV, $15
- Mionetto ‘Prestige’ Prosecco, Veneto, Treviso DOC, Italy, $15 (Organic)
- Perlage Sgajo, Glera, Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Dry, Treviso Veneto, Italy, $15 (Mundus Vini Biofach 2017 Silver Medal)
- Furlani Alpino Sparkling, Veneto Non Vintage $24 (Biodynamic)
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