Organic Wine
The use of the word organic has had many uses over the last few decades. In the early eighties, my chemistry professor told the class the only thing organic means, is the item contains carbon chains, i.e. is or was once alive. This wasn’t particularly useful in deciphering all those claims plastered across food labels. Over time the government stepped in and created meaning for the word organic, by passing the National Organic Foods Act in 1990. Fermented beverages were included in this legislation.
According to the USDA: "Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers; bio-engineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled "organic," a government approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards."
The National Organic Program (NOP) under the USDA, was established set guidelines for processing and labeling organic products and maintains a list of all allowable and prohibited practices in regard to organic products. NOP works directly with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) to define four categories of organic wine. The ATF and USDA do not work directly with wine producers in regard to organic certification; the wine industry has established independent certification agencies who report directly to the USDA.
The highest certification is designated "100% Organic" and must contain 100% organically
grown grapes and other ingredients and follow organic production methods set forth by NOP.
The label will include the USDA seal and disclose the name of the organic certification
agency used. No additional sulfites are added and the sulfite levels must fall at or
below the 100 parts per million.
The second highest certification is "Organic" wine. This level is identical to the previous definition except that 5% of the ingredients can be non-organic because they are not available in an organic form.
The third certification uses the language "Made with Organic Grapes" or "Organically Grown." This level allows for up to 30% of the ingredients be non-organic because they are not available in an organic form. The label will not contain the USDA seal, but will disclose the certifying agency’s name. The organic ingredients will be listed on the label. Adding sulfites is permitted, but the wine still must still fall at or below 100 parts per million of sulfites.
The final definition set up by the USDA is called "Some Organic Ingredients." This category covers all wines that are produced from less than 70% organic grapes and other ingredients. It will not carry the USDA seal, nor will it disclose a certifying agency. It is not permitted to refer to any organic practices.
Many people believe organic wines are sulfite free. This is not true because grape skins contain sulfites. Three of the four organic wine definitions define how much of this naturally occurring sulfite is permitted in the final product. Wines with less sulfites have a shorter shelf life and oxidize quicker once open than wines with higher levels of sulfites.
Bio-dynamically farmed grapes meet and usually exceed the organic standards, although they do not have a certification program at this time. Organic and bio-dynamic farmers use beneficial bugs, bees, birds, bats, and ground cover plants to control detrimental bugs, diseases, and weeds. More and more growers and producers are following the organic definitions, but many are not paying to have their wine organically certified. Some growers and producers say the certification process is expensive and bureaucratic. They promote the production of organic wines without the government stamp of approval. Less chemicals and more natural methods of farming seems to be the popular trend with many small wine producers, which pairs well with the healthy life styles many Americans enjoy.
Case Discounts
Libations Wine & Spirits offers 10% discount on all cases of wine mix or match.
Join us most Wednesdays to sample wine, beer, and spirits in-store, at no charge.
Every Wednesday from 4:30pm to 7:00pm we pour samples for you.
Join us on selected Fridays too.
Upcoming Tasting Events
Friday, April 24th, 2009
Boulevard Beers from Kansas City.
Single Wide IPA (6 pack) $8.49
ZON belgian style witbier (6 pack) $8.49
Double Wide IPA (750ml) $8.79
Long Strange Tripel (750 ml) $8.79
Saison (750ml) $8.79
Sixth Glass Quadruple (750 ml) $8.79
Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
Joel Gott Wines
Sauvignon Blanc $12.49
Chardonnay $15.79
Zinfandel $15.99
Cabernet $15.99
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009
Sultry Wines
California White Blend $10.99
California Red Blend $10.99
Paso Robles Cabernet $10.99
Magness Cabernet $19.99
(96 points Red White & Rose)
As always, you will receive a 15% discount on wines,
and a 10% discount on beers during all tasting events!
SPECIAL PRICING DURING TASTING HOURS
Wednesday tasting hours are 4:30 to 7:00 pm.
Each sample is a one ounce portion to adults 21 and older.
Limit four different samples per person.
Libations Wine and Spirits is a full service liquor store serving
Aurora, Parker, Centennial, and Littleton, Colorado.
Libations has a comprehensive wine inventory, award winning beer selections,
all of your favorite spirits and few unusual items as well.
Whether you are driving from the DTC, (Denver Tech Center), downtown Denver, Parker,
or Eagle Bend, Libations is on your way home.
We are located in Southeast Aurora, near Cherry Creek Reservoir, at Arapahoe Crossings.
Our staff are knowledgeable about wine, beer, liqueurs, and spirits, and are
always eager to serve you.
You must be 21 years or older to shop at Libations Wine & Spirits.
Libations Wine & Spirits
Arapahoe & Parker Roads
Northeast corner at Arapahoe Crossings
6554 South Parker Road, Aurora, Colorado 80016
Monday - Saturday, 10am to 10pm
Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Phone: 303-766-0575
info@libationswines.com
libationswines.com
coupon
started construction of the brewery in a turn-of-the-century brick
building on Kansas City’s historic Southwest Boulevard.
A vintage Bavarian brewhouse was installed,
and the first batches of beer were produced in the fall of 1989.
That November, the first keg of Boulevard Pale Ale was delivered—in
the back of John's pickup truck—to a restaurant just a few blocks away.