THE BIODYNAMIC METHOD
Posted by Guidi Wines on
Biodynamic wine is made with a set of farming practices that views the farm or vineyard as one solid organism. The ecosystem functions as a whole, with each portion of the farm or vineyard contributing to the next. The idea is to create a self-sustaining system. Natural materials, soils, and composts are used to sustain the vineyard. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are forbidden for the sake of soil fertility. A range of animals from ducks to horses to sheep live on the soil and fertilize it, creating a rich, fertile environment for the vines to grow in. Biodynamic farming also seeks sustainability, or leaving the land in as good or better shape as they found it for future generations.
Biodynamic wine is made by farming all components of the vineyard as one whole entity, eliminating the use of chemicals and using natural materials and composts. Following the biodynamic calendar is another integral part of the process. Sometimes, these farming practices, from pruning to harvesting, are controlled by the biodynamic calendar. It breaks all the tasks associated with farming into four kinds of days: root days, flower days, fruit days, and leaf days. Each of these days has certain tasks associated with it that are reflective of Earth’s four classical elements (also on the harder-to-prove-scientifically end of things): Fruit days are meant for harvesting, leaf days for watering, root days for pruning. On flower days, the vineyard is left alone.
Vines are cultivate according to the Lunar and Planetary Calendar and instead of fertilizers the soil is treated with preparations of plant and animal origin. The rest is entrusted to the thousands of microorganisms that live in the soil and keep the soil active.
This respect for nature accompanies Tenuta Mara in the process of transforming grapes into Sangiovese Italian wine. They don't look for shortcuts: biodynamic agriculture does not include synthetic products and oenological corrective products, which never enter or will never enter Tenuta Mara.
Let the earth and the stars set the rhythm. After careful tasting, they bottle only the best wine.
