In recent years, the wine industry has seen a significant shift due to the increasing focus on conscious and sustainable consumption. This phenomenon has led to an increased demand for wines that are not only of high quality, but also meet ethical, environmental and healthy criteria. Among the most sought-after are organic, vegan and sustainable wines.
These wines are produced following agricultural practices that exclude the use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. Organic viticulture aims to preserve biodiversity and the natural cycle of the vine. Organic certification, both in Europe and the United States, requires adherence to strict standards. In the winery, the use of sulfites is generally reduced compared to conventional production.
In terms of wine making, traditionally animal products, such as egg white or casein, are often used to clarify the product. Vegan wines, on the other hand, avoid animal ingredients altogether, using alternatives such as bentonite or pea protein. Certifications such as BeVeg or Vegan Action ensure that these wines are produced without any use of animal ingredients.
The ‘approach that goes beyond organic and vegan, embracing practices that respect the entire production cycle, is called sustainable. Sustainability includes efficient use of resources, reduction of CO₂ emissions, and respect for the environment and communities. In Italy, certifications such as VIVA or Biodiversity Friend ensure that a wine is produced according to sustainable standards.
In the United States, certifications for these wines include:
USDA Organic, che garantisce vini biologici, con due livelli di certificazione.
Demeter USA, per i vini biodinamici.
SIP Certified e LIVE Certified, per vini che seguono pratiche sostenibili sia a livello ambientale che sociale.
Recognizing these wines is easy thanks to labels bearing the logos of the certifiers. Consulting detailed descriptions or the producers’ websites can be helpful to learn more about their practices. The growing demand for sustainable wines demonstrates how consumers are increasingly aware of and concerned about the impact their choices have on the environment and health.
The article Wine is green comes from TheNewyorker.
