Understanding Organic and Biodynamic Wines

Located at 155 Varick in Tribeca

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending a dinner and panel at The City Winery in honor of their “Wine, Women and Song month.” Panelists included Lisa Granik (Master of Wine), Pascaline Lepeltier (Sommelier at Rouge Tomate) and Dane Nigro (Wine Spectator).

The event opened with Granik explaining what exactly organic and biodynamic means. A wine that is made organically tends to prohibit synthetic products and has to follow certain regulations that vary from country to country. (Sidenote: Whenever you hear a winemaker talking about how their wine is made naturally, be skeptical. There are no actual regulations for natural wine.) Biodynamic farming is all about balance and harmony and following the phases of the moon. This tends to be a bit too “hippie” for people but I think it’s pretty cool.

Joining these awesome panelists were two winemakers with organic vineyards: Coralie Delecheneau from Le Grange Tiphaine in the Loire Valley and Helen Lomazzi from Colombaia in Tuscany.

With dinner (fig glazed petite poulet), City Winery paired Coralie’s La Grange Tiphaine ‘Ad Libitum’ 2009. This is a blend of gamay, cabernet franc and malbec. It’s a great summer wine with a very hearty terroir. And with some very fine Tuscan Pecorino cheeses we had Helen’s Colombaia Rosso ‘Vigna Vecchia’ 2007. There was a hint of cherry but also some strong spice flavors like black currant and cardamom. It worked exceptionally with the Toscano Fresco.

All this month City Winery is hosting tons of events celebrating women and wine. Don’t miss out!