Exploring Biodynamic Viticulture

Biodynamics is an agricultural approach that incorporates ecological principles and spiritual beliefs.

The visionary Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, born in 1861, is widely regarded as the pioneer of biodynamics. His philosophy was rooted in the belief that the world is intricately interconnected, and he worked tirelessly to develop agricultural solutions that were in harmony with nature. In 1923, when industrialization threatened the fabric of agriculture, Steiner presented his groundbreaking findings to the world.

Biodynamic practices existed before the organic movement. Steiner believed holistic agricultural methods and minimal intervention help maintain ecological health and biodiversity.

Why did those principles become popular in the wine industry?

• Many winemakers now embrace biodynamic viticulture to be environmentally responsible and contribute to the planet's wellbeing.
• The biodynamic approach is not rooted in intricate scientific principles. Nevertheless, many winemakers believe it has improved vineyard health and produced exceptional wines

What is the thought process behind Biodynamic viticulture? Let's explore it together.

• The moon and earth are believed to be in exceptional harmony, and winemakers must learn to maintain this balance by following a lunar calendar.?
• The moon phases dictate when viticultural activities, such as pruning, vine watering, and harvesting, may be completed. These activities should be carried out when the most vital connection exists between plants and natural elements. This cycle has four categories: root day, leaf day, fruit day, and flower day.
• Mechanical cultivation methods are discouraged; horses are often used to till the soil and carry out other tasks.
• The chemical-free vineyards are treated as one entity. All aspects within the vineyard ecosystem - insects, other plants, and animals- are entwined, each playing a vital role in the biodynamic universe.??

What about the compositions??

• A classic example is filling cow horns – a bull's horn is never used - with manure and burying them in the soil to decompose during the winter months. When the horns are removed in the spring, the decomposed manure is spread throughout the vineyard. This special compost is believed to stimulate seed germination, balance pH, dissolve minerals, and stimulate the microbiological health of the vineyard as an entire entity.??
• Special "teas" are made of nettles and chamomile blossoms (instead of copper sulphate – which can damage the microflora) and are used to help reduce vineyard diseases such as mildew.
• There are no legal restrictions on actual winemaking. However, biodynamic winemakers often refrain from adding sulfites to their wines. To be certified as biodynamic, a long list of regulations must be adhered to and established by the internationally recognized Demeter Association.? ?

Whether one chooses to believe in this practice or not, one of the benefits of Biodynamic viticulture is that it has moved the focus back into the vineyards, with winegrowers respecting the overall balance and wellbeing of the plants and surrounding ecosystem.

We take great pride in presenting the wines of Antoine Lepetit de la Bigne, a multi-talented individual. Over the past 15 years, he has dedicated himself to helping growers in Burgundy succeed with organic and biodynamic viticultural methods.

In 2012, he authored a well-received book named "What's So Special About Biodynamic Wines: 35 Questions & Answers For Wine Lovers". In 2015, he set up his own biodynamic consulting company called "La Pierre Ronde" in 2016.

Antoine worked closely with many motivated growers in the region and built relationships of mutual trust with them. This led him to consider buying grapes and making his wine.

Explore his wines at: https://www.crurated.com/?