Organic Grapes Produce Higher Quality Wine, But Wine Snobs Snub Them
03/16/2010
Foodies and Joe Schmoes alike are increasingly shelling out a bit more for goods with the ‘organic’ label. But the same isn’t true for wine. Even though organically grown grapes produce a better-quality vin, affixing an eco-label appears to lower its value in consumers’ eyes, researchers report.
Environmental economists at UCLA studied 13,426 wines from 1,495 California wineries, and tracked down each one’s Wine Spectator rating (the publication uses a 100-point scale). They found that wines made from organically grown grapes averaged one point higher than their conventionally produced counterparts.
When it comes to cheaper wines, those under $25 a bottle, organic certification and eco-labels didn’t make a difference. But for more expensive organic wines, vintners might want to avoid advertising the green origins of the vino, the study, published in Business and Society, found.
So long as they didn't carry eco-labels, these wines commanded a 13-percent higher price than conventionally produced wines of the same varietal, appellation, and year. Slapping on the "made from organically grown grapes" label drove prices down 7 percent, compared to conventionally produced wines, the researchers found. The average price for a wine with an eco-label was $37.65; a certified wine without an eco-label commanded an average price of $40.54.
Though the researchers, led by Magali Delmas, don’t offer a definitive reason for the price-drop, it may be something vintners are already aware of: They found that only one-third of winemakers using organically certified grapes advertised the fact on wine labels.
It’s a trend among French winemakers, too. “Many of France's top vintages are equally natural, or even organic, but choose not to use the organic certification because of lingering wine snobbery,” AFP reports. The “natural” wine movement is gaining ground there, driven by increasing appreciation for purer wine. “It is no secret that many of the world's wines are made from grapes grown on soils stuffed with chemicals - and that the bottle on the shelf can contain yeasts, sugars and even flavours or wood chips added to produce a predictable finish to please the average consumer's palate,” the article says.
In California, Delmas points out that one drawback of organic wines is their shorter shelf life. “Without added sulfites, the wine turns into vinegar after a while, and you're likely to lose out on the opportunity for your wine to mature into something considerably richer than when purchased, which is the promise of fine wine, ” Delmas says. “So while no-sulfites-added is fine for white wines such as Chardonnay that you usually drink 'young,' it is not good for a red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon that you want to keep to drink in a year or two.”
Delmas says both winemakers and oenophiles are missing out: vintners on highlighting the quality of their product, and wine aficionados on treating their palate.
this delmas person is
this delmas person is obviously an idiot, stating that cali wine has a shorter shelf life because ofsulfur?
that is not the reason
“Without added sulfites, the wine turns into vinegar after a while, and you're likely to lose out on the opportunity for your wine to mature into something considerably richer than when purchased, which is the promise of fine wine, ”
i think this quote illustrates their utter lack of any knowledge on wine, wine making, and the addition of any of the sulfur radicals added by organic wine producers.
SULFUR IS AN ELEMENT AND ORGANIC AND ALLOWABLE AND PUT IN EVERY WINE MADE ON THIS PLANET.
ridesmith. First of all I'm
ridesmith. First of all I'm pretty sure you and Delmas agree. You seem to have read his statement wrong. Second your last sentence "SULFUR IS AN ELEMENT AND ORGANIC AND ALLOWABLE AND PUT IN EVERY WINE MADE ON THIS PLANET" is not entirely true. Sulfur is not "put in" every wine on the planet by man. It is in every wine made as a by-product of fermentation. it also has legal limits that vary from producing region. And I can assure you Delmas is not an idiot.
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I do think that studies such
I do think that studies such as these are erroneous at best. There are so many other factors that could lead to a conclusion that these Organic wines got higher scores and can command higher prices.
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In my personal opinion I do think that studies such as these are erroneous at best. There are so many other factors that could lead to a conclusion that these Organic wines got higher scores and can command higher prices.
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Organic grapes vs. organic wine
The problem is that there is so much confusion over "organic wine" vs. "wine from organically grown grapes". Organic wine cannot have added sulfites and few winemakers are willing to take the chance of possible spoilage. Wine from organically grown grapes can have added sulfites but nothing else and the winery must be certified organic. A third category is wine with an ingredient statement that includes organically grown grapes. This means the grapes are organic, but the winery is not. The general public is not aware of the different categories or what they mean and therefore think all organic wine has the potential for going bad due to the sulfur issue. Even this article blurs the lines.
Organic grapes vs. organic wine
There is a lot of confusion about this very topic and it's great you brought this up. I never realized the difference and after doing some more research do. All wines contain small amounts of sulfites, but as you point out, they cannot be added for the wine to be organic. I am more concerned about having organic grapes than the wine itself to be organic. I wonder if there is a label for
It really is a shame that organic wines are getting a bad rap and not selling as well. You would think that they would be more popular as most products that contain the "Organic" label tend to sell better. I tend to buy organic wines, but now I will make sure to also keep an eye out for wines with organic grapes.
It's quite funny that
It's quite funny that Eco-label wine prepared from organic grapes are least choice for people.I think that's why companies are not interested to fix the Eco-label on their wine products.colored wine glasses
It's really difficult to
It's really difficult to grasp the concept that organically grown grapes taste differently than synthetic (conventionally) grown grapes. Nitrogen fixation will occur regardless of the source of nitrogen dioxide. Period. That's simply how the soil chemistry works. lofts for sale
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The key question is whether
The key question is whether the adoption of organic practices or ingredients adds value to your products, markets and community. In the case of organic wine, the regulatory environment is specialized, but there are opportunities for premium pricing, a supplemental niche market and long-term environmental benefits. combine word .doc documents
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Very good article and makes
Very good article and makes a lot of sense. I actually benefited from this. I would of never thought there would of been a way to create an organic wine, and it seems very interesting.
Keep up the good work.
This is bad
I think organic wine is really great. I cant see why the critics really think that this is a bad thing! I want to really tell them to go somewhere. I love organic wine and I cant wait to try it for myself.
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Great wine for sure
I think these critics are really wrong. How can this be bad? Hopefully they will reconsider their opinions after they drink a few cases haha. I really appreciate this great post and hopefully we can drink some together.
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Thumbs Up for Organic Wine
Organic wine are the best, not to offend those critics but are they sure what they are talking about. Nothing can bet the good effects of organic than those chemical based wines. So, for those wine lovers out there, lets go for Natural wines.
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I think many people are making miuse of such organic substance we are not getting the proper wine to drink the main reason behind this is use of chemical and i agree with the post.
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The Organic Wine deal sounds
The Organic Wine deal sounds really reliable and great. The critics are on target, and everything mentioned in the article makes sense. Wonderful article, keep up the excellent work, and I hope to hear more from you in the future. combine powerpoint slides on mac
Thats wierd
I think its weird that they wouldnt backup something that is better for the human body. They probally are paid to say what wine is the best haha. Everyone is on the take.
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Wow
I like any type of wine really and if you use organic grapes it's just going to make it healthier. Wine is basically fermented fruit so it should be good for you and give you a little kick for fun. Neprinol Syntol
Really interesting topic
Really interesting topic that cuts to the core for me right now.
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Sounds really good
I really want to try these organic grapes and hopefully there really is something special about them. I bet they make the very best wine when aged like normal. I really appreciate you putting this together for us.
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Very good article and makes a lot of sense. I actually benefited from this. I would of never thought there would of been a way to create an organic wine, and it seems very interesting.
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I think these critics are really wrong. How can this be bad? kimonoHopefully they will reconsider their opinions after they drink a few cases haha.
The reason is quite
The reason is quite clear,businessmen are always trying to get more & more profit and they don't have any responsibility towards the society & the environment.There should be strict law in it to add Eco-label on products.legend plates
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I can tbelieve that such eco-friendly and good for you wines and packaging are the least preferred among consumers. I enjoy wine daily, and would actually love to find somewhere near me that actually carries such product. i think the wine gurus are just being unreasonable. challenge coins
What do the experts know
Wine is what tastes good to you.
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Organic Grapes
I like good wine.
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I love organic wine. It tastes soo much better. Great share! paid surveys
I agree with the person who
I agree with the person who wrote the comment 'organic grapes vs organic wine'. Very true and good point, well made!
I love Organic grapes wine
Grapes Wine has a good health benefits especially in our heart and an anti aging and reduce bacteria through our body! I love Organic grapes wine.
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very essential
Grape wine are very essential to our health, especially with organic wine.
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Somehow this articles have helped me think of about grapes and wines. But it surprises me knowing that the organic label can lower down the price of the wine.
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Organic wine!?
I love wine. however, the concept of organic wine just makes me cringe. keep it original!
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I love wine.I cant see why the critics really think that this is a bad thing!I really appreciate this great post and i completely agree with the post. freezer cooking
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Thanks for your share! I
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I really enjoy reading it, very good insights, the article is very ell-said. A thumbs up!
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I totally agree
there is nothing like a fine red wine in the summertime to make you feel so relaxed and comfortable. Just being able to enjoy a nice comfortable chair on your patio and some family, along with a great conversation, there is nothing better.New York Mesothelioma lawyers
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i like red wine.
Nice blog, about red wind and grapes. I like to drink red wine and enjoyed with my friend occasionally. But always drink in a limit.
because excess of everything is bad. So, please drink in a limit and enjoy the life with your family and friends. Thanks for sharing. and keep posting.
I really love the wine
I really love the wine produced by organic grapes. It has some healthy effects too. Casinos Trek
Labels are Important
Labels are so important. They should have emphasized the qualities of wines. Consumers have the right to know the wines' qualities. And giving this right to them is a sure way of making them coming back for more in your shop. Labels will make them feel that they know what they are buying and that you are valuing them as your consumers.
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Maybe the traditional wine drinkers don't want to be perceived as health nuts. MBT shoes
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