Biodynamic viticulture
Biodynamic viticulture applies the preparations, the farm organism and the rhythms to the vineyard. France counts as its heartland, with year-round cover crops and strict Demeter requirements.
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What is biodynamic viticulture?
Biodynamic viticulture carries the principles of biodynamics over to the vineyard: the preparations (horn manure 500, horn silica 501, the compost preparations), the guiding image of the farm organism and the work with cosmic and seasonal rhythms. It is one of the most visible and fastest-growing fields of the biodynamic movement — in quality wine especially, many renowned estates now work biodynamically, because a good number of growers credit the preparations with a positive effect on vine health, soil life and the expressive power of the terroir.
Preparations and practice in the vineyard
In the vineyard, horn manure and horn silica are sprayed rhythmically: horn manure to enliven the soil and the root zone, horn silica to encourage light, ripeness and the formation of aroma in the grapes — an aspect particularly valued in viticulture. The estate’s compost is treated with the compost preparations; against fungal pressure, a central theme in viticulture, horsetail tea and plant strengthening are used preventively, alongside the means customary in organic viticulture.
France, the heartland
France counts as the heartland of biodynamic viticulture; the most comprehensive practical knowledge comes from this tradition, and Pierre Masson’s standard work gives viticulture ample space. Well-known French biodynamic growers have made the movement visible internationally. International demand for biodynamic knowledge and material is correspondingly strong, French demand above all — a market reaching far beyond the German-speaking countries.
Demeter requirements in viticulture
As a permanent crop, viticulture comes under particular rules of the Demeter standard: the soil may not be left bare all year — a cover crop between the rows is obligatory and serves soil life, humus building and erosion control. For nitrogen fertilisation there is an upper limit of 150 kilograms per hectare over a three-year cycle. Rhythmic horn silica sprays belong to the strengthening of the vines.
Biodynamic in the vineyard and in the cellar
Around 1,500 winegrowers worldwide work biodynamically, more than 1,100 of them with Demeter certification (2023). Their aim: a wine in which you taste the site, the soil, the climate and the hand of the grower.
In the vineyard
- Biodynamic preparations
- Little fertiliser: at most 150 kg nitrogen in three years
- Quality before yield
- Gentle on the soil
- Green cover between the rows where possible
- Gentle pruning, late leaf trimming
- Ecological plant protection, including teas
- 10% of the area for biodiversity (Demeter Germany standard)
- Mostly picked by hand
In the cellar
- Spontaneous fermentation or a starter from own grapes
- No oak chips
- Sugar, tartaric acid and sulphur only within tight limits
- Gentle processing and racking
- No plastic barrels or tanks
- Banned, among others: reverse osmosis, cross-flow filters, centrifugal pumps, centrifuges
- Bottled in glass only
Who brings biodynamic winegrowers together
- Demeter: more than 1,100 certified winegrowers worldwide
- Biodyvin: more than 130 estates
- Respekt: more than 30 estates
- Renaissance des Appellations: more than 200 members, some purely organic
Source
Compiled from the knowledge graphic “Vine & wine biodynamic” in Lebendige Erde (5/2023).
Frequently asked questions about biodynamic viticulture
What distinguishes biodynamic wine from organic wine?
On top of the organic standard, biodynamic viticulture calls for the work with the preparations, the idea of the farm organism and — under Demeter — year-round cover as well as tighter fertilisation limits.
Why does France matter for biodynamic viticulture?
It counts as the heartland of the movement; a large part of the practical knowledge of viticulture comes from the French biodynamic tradition.
Which preparations matter most in viticulture?
Horn manure and horn silica (for soil, ripeness and aroma), and horsetail preventively against fungal pressure.
Buy and use biodynamic preparations
Horn manure 500from €19.69View preparation →
Horn silica 501from €14.19View preparation →
Horsetail preparation 508from €14.19View preparation →
All biodynamic preparations →How much do I need? Open the preparation calculator →