Biodynamic wine is an all-natural approach to viticulture that emphasizes the unique character of each individual farm's soil and climate. In the wine world, the distinctness of each different soil is called terroir (related to the Latin word terra, "earth"). Often wines are Demeter Certified, guaranteeing that they not only meet an organic standard of avoiding synthetic fertilizers and avoiding synthetic pesticides but also including specific regenerative and biodynamic elements.
Biodynamics emphasizes the distinctive flavors and aromas of natural fruits, vegetables, and wines.
Biodynamics seeks to add more life back into the soil than we take out of it. The foundation of biodynamics is a set of special herbal remedies that boost vitality in the soil. The first is called Horn Manure.
Horn Manure is the soil spray used in biodynamics to re-enliven deadened soil. Through overexploitation, agricultural soils can easily become tired. Biodynamic horn manure is a key part of reawakening them to new life.
Horn Silica is a foliar spray used in biodynamics to improve photosynthesis, sugar levels (brix levels), combat fungus and mildew and ripen fruits.
The Compost Preparations are a set of carefully composted medicinal herbs which bring qualities to compost nourishing plants that we might forget to bring to their roots. This includes yarrow, chamomile, nettles, dandelion, oak bark, and valerian. This spectrum of medicinal herbs provides an arsenal of phytonutrients and enzymes that stimulate diverse microbiological growth, providing the right forces necessary for healthy plant development.
Equisetum arvense is a special plant used in biodynamics to combat fungus and mildew as a regular foliar spray. It is a remarkable plant that is almost like a living fossil. Because Equisetum arvense thrives in wet conditions, as a spray it helps other plants thrive in similarly humid conditions where they might otherwise succumb to mildew or fungus.
Learn more about converting a vineyard to biodynamics.