Organic Vs. Biodynamic
The Best French Organic Wines – Bordeaux Going Green
Bordeaux is going green in a big way, producing the best French organic wines. More and more wineries in the most famous wine region in the world are choosing sustainable growing and production methods, reducing the use of toxic pesticides and their carbon footprint. According to a recent press announcement from Planet Bordeaux, the effort to increase sustainability is on a strong trajectory.
“As of 2017, 60% of Bordeaux vineyards are under sustainable agriculture, with the objective of 100%. Representing over 50% of the Bordeaux wine region, Bordeaux & Bordeaux Supérieur winemakers are in the vanguard of this movement.
“In April 2016, I announced that we were aiming for a sharp reduction or even an end to the use of pesticides in the future,” said Bernard Farges, President of the Bordeaux & Bordeaux Supérieur Winemakers’ Association. “Today I am convinced that producers, conventional and organic alike, will change their practices because innovation and research will bring us profound changes, solutions.” Already pesticides have been reduced by 76% since 2007, and herbicides are becoming a thing of the past with 85% of winemakers using grass cover and working the soil.”
Vignobles Raymond – Producing the Best French Organic Wines
Our winery partner Vignobles Raymond has long been a leader in the sustainable movement in Bordeaux, converting their vineyards to 100% organic production in 2000.
“Because of Lionel’s strong beliefs in and respect for the environment and terroir, he decided to convert the whole vineyard (130 hectares) to organic agriculture,” said Stephanie Dolet, U.S. export ambassador for Vignobles Raymond. “It was quite a bet, and most winemakers in the area thought he was pretty crazy. It is twice the work of a conventional vineyard.”
Today, Vignobles Raymond is one of the largest organic wineries in Bordeaux, and part of the exclusive 7% of all wineries of the region who have made the organic commitment. While many wineries in the region have committed to decreasing the use of chemicals, only certified organic production ensures zero use of toxic pesticides and a holistic approach with true respect for the soil, the vineyards and wine production. The result are the best French organic wines to be found.
Producing the Best French Organic Wines While Reducing Carbon Footprint
“After measuring the carbon footprint in 2008 and again in 2012, the Bordeaux Wine Bureau (CIVB) created the “2020 Climate Plan” that targets reducing CO2 emissions by 20%, along with other greenhouse gases, fossil fuel and water consumption, and increasing the use of renewable energies by 20%.”
Always at the forefront of eco-innovation, in 2009 Vignobles Raymond built eco-friendly cellars in order to balance their carbon footprint, installing 2500 square meters of photovoltaic panels. They also recover rain water to wash down the tractors and recycle cartons, papers and plastics.
Learn more about the many green initiatives of Vignobles Raymond in this video:
Related posts
I really enjoyed the short video. Such commitment to Organic!
Great lesson in French as well 🙂
The video is amazing! Very informative and well done. Beautiful winery and wines.
I would like prices, and where to purchase these European organic wines.
Happy to help Else. Just email us at info@naturalmerchants.com and we can help find the nearest location to purchase the wines.
Check out Vincent Lataste French organic vegan wines and his Chateau Lardilley and Chateau Mamin which are also organic and vegan.