• Introduction
• Getting There
• About the Wines
• Organic Wines
• France Index

Organic Winemaking

Organic wines are made from grapes which are cultivated without recourse to synthetic fungicides, herbicides or fertilizers. Biodiversity is encouraged by planting cover crops between the rows of vines to encourage a host of beneficial visitors. Very few of the estates in the St. Emilion area use organic methods of cultivation. If you visit the area and wish to taste organic wines, this certainly makes your selection of wine makers very easy!

Biodynamic Winemaking

Firmly rooted in the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, biodynamics goes one step beyond organics by looking at the vineyard within the context of the larger environment. Homeopathic sprays and herbal preparations are used along with estate-made composts to increase soil fertility and strengthen and protect the vines from pests and disease. Lunar cycles, earth rhythms and astrology are also employed to ensure that activities in the vineyard are correctly timed. In short, by employing biodynamic principles the grower is aiming to harmonise the rhythm of the vine with its capacity to bear fruit. Increasingly, internationally-renowned estates are using this approach to make better wine with great success.

Organic St Emilion - Chateau Fonroque

One notable exception, and a chateau which welcomes visitors (by appointment only) is Chateau Fonroque. This charming chateau is situated just a few hundred metres outside St. Emilion (signed from the D243). Under the management of Alain Moueix, Chateau Fonroque uses organic and biodynamic methods to produce complex and lively wines. The aim is to create a vineyard in perfect harmony with its environment, making the most of the “terroir”. Organic growing does not just mean that they stop using chemicals and enhance soil life. It is also includes planting hedges (between blocks, on slopes, near ditches) and “hosting” good insects to eat the insects that damage the vines, all in order to create a natural equilibrium.

Organic Pomerol - Chateau La Croix Taillefer

The vineyards of Pomerol lie to the west of those of St. Emilion, close to the outskirts of the town of Libourne. The appellation of Pomerol is very small (just 784 hectares compared with the 5,000 of St. Emilion). Merlot accounts for 80% of vines planted, with the remainder divided between Cabernet Franc (15%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). Three of the most highly regarded Pomerol producers are the famous Chateaux Petrus, Lafleur and Le Pin.

As in St. Emilion, there are few vineyards in Pomerol producing wine which is certified organic. One of these is Chateau La Crox Taillefer, an up and coming Pomerol producer. Made from 98% Merlot with a splash of Cabernet Franc, its Chateau La Croix Tallefer 2005 is soft and rich with plummy fruit flavours and a touch of smoky oak. This winemaker welcomes visitors by appointment and the wine is also on sale in the UK at Waitrose/John Lewis.