07/20/06 Biodynamic Wine

With the eco-Epicurean movement sweeping the nation, environmentally discerning wine consumers have some decisions to make regarding the wine they drink. Do they want a sustainably produced wine, organic or the newest label, a biodynamic wine. While sounding like something from L. Ron Hubbard, Biodynamics actually stems from Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner's lectures in the 1920's. It differs from organic because it incorporates a spiritual dimension to winemaking. In a new age sense biodynamic grower's look to the cosmo's for direction, They might opt to plant with moon phases or celestial vestiges. Biodynamics also incorporates mid evil practices like horning, burying manure in a steers horn over the winter to make a spring fertilizer, in our era of handi-wipes at petting zoos, I wonder who gets to dig them up. Some big players like Deloach Vineyards are promoting the practice , and with competition fierce in the wine industry , we can expect more labels promoting biodynamics