Pro Wein Takes Organic Wine Seriously + 8 Great Biodynamic Table Wines You Can Find Online

As ProWein, one of the largest wine shows in the world, prepares to launch its 25th annual gathering in Germany, with more than 6,700 exhibitors from 61 countries, it features organic wines as a special area of focus.

Read this description of the Organic Wine section from The Drinks Business online here:

"Organic wines will...remain prevalent at the show which ProWein says, is "not just a passing trends," but a fixture of many top producers' portfolios. 

Demeter will host a session debating whether organic wine (I think they mean to say Biodynamic wine since Demeter does not certify organic wines, only Biodynamic wines) is a "product for the elite or a broader audience," while the organic wine association Ecovin will be on hand to offer an overview of the category.   

At Bioland LV Rheinland-Pfalz, they will be asking whether organic wine cultivation can give wine retail an opportunity to raise its profile, while experts at Falstaff will give talks on the future of organic wine in the international context., while the Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) will provide insights into the organic movement in Bordeaux. (Yes, let's hear more about this - how many wineries are there?)

More than 58,000 visitors are expected to attend.

POST SCRIPT - IS BIODYNAMIC WINE ELITE? NOT

Regarding the question of whether or not Biodynamic wines are only for the elite, I've organized a whole panel at the upcoming Demeter USA sponsored International Biodynamic Wine Conference (taking place in San Francisco, May 6-7), on affordably priced table wines that are suitable for restaurant Wine by the Glass programs.

This Trade & Media Day is designed to counteract the perception that Biodynamic wines are all $50 or more a bottle and made from grapes in vineyards plowed with horses. These under $20-25 wines actually do exist in plentiful supply in the marketplace.

Wines and wineries in this category include gorgeous red wines from South American producers - Emiliana in Chilé and Chakana (their Inkharri wines are all BD) in Argentina - as well as wines from U.S. producers.

Some of my favorites are from Oregon:

• Montinore Estate's Red Cap Pinot Noir ($20) (as well as its Alsatian varietals)
• Three Degrees Pinot Noir ($20)
• Cooper Mountain's Pinot Noir ($21 when you buy it by the case, includes free shipping); or its Cooper Hill Pinot Noir ($15 online) and Pinot Gris ($15 online)

Other great affordable priced Biodynamic wines - from California - are:

• Eco Terreno's Sauvignon Blanc ($22)
• Beckmen Vineyards Rosé ($25)

One of the best French producers in this category is:

• Chateau Maris - La Touge Syrah

Chateau Maris also makes a rosé (of Grenache) that's available in cans. I am really looking forward to trying that one!

Many of these wines will be poured at the IBWC Grand Tastings on May 7 in San Francisco. They will be available at the Trade & Media Grand Tasting from 4-6 (accredited trade and media only) or at the Consumer Grand Tasting - the Demeter Rocks! party (tickets on sale now - $75).

Get details on the conference web site here.