Organic and Biodynamic Wines
Bordeaux Turns Green
In Bordeaux, caring for living ecosystems isn’t a slogan — it’s a daily commitment. More and more growers are embracing sustainable practices to craft high‑quality wines while protecting the environment. Organic, biodynamic, “natural”… each approach places the vine and its surroundings at the heart of Bordeaux’s thinking.
In the Vineyard: Working Hand‑in‑Hand
with nature
Sustainability starts among the rows. Organic viticulture excludes synthetic chemicals, relying instead on natural treatments such as sulphur and copper — both of which are tightly regulated.
Today, over 75% of the vineyard area is certified under an environmental scheme (vs. 35% in 2014), with 24% now fully organic.
Biodynamics goes a step further, treating the vine as a living organism connected to its environment. Lunar calendars, cover crops, biodynamic preparations, carefully managed composts… every action aims to boost the vitality of the vine, the soils, and the terroir. Some estates are even exploring regenerative viticulture — hedgerows, trees, flowering strips — all designed to welcome biodiversity, protect the soil, and create a favourable microclimate.
It is a demanding path, especially as climate conditions become increasingly unpredictable, but many growers see it as essential for giving more space back to the “living”.
In the Cellar: Letting the
grapes speak
Low‑intervention winemakers seek purity above all else. That often means fermenting with indigenous yeasts, using shorter macerations or infusion‑style techniques, and working with minimal — sometimes zero — added inputs, including sulphites.
This approach requires precision and close monitoring. Decisions are made only when needed, not by default, to respect the fruit’s natural expression.
Certifications : A Guide for Today’s Consumers
In a world more aware of environmental urgency, organic and biodynamic wines serve as tangible markers of commitment. A wide range of labels helps guarantee growers’ practices and recognise responsible vineyard management.
Bordeaux is taking action !
Read also: Nos engagementsWant to Go Further ?
Key organic and biodynamic certifications in Bordeaux :
- AB (Agriculture Biologique) : the French organic label.
- Eurofeuille: the EU organic seal (green leaf with stars).
- Demeter : a highly respected European biodynamic certification, centred on natural composts and lunar cycles.
- Biodyvin : a wine‑specific biodynamic label created by French growers with rigorous standards.
Other environmental certifications present in the region include:
HVE (Haute Valeur Environnementale), Terra Vitis, the Bordeaux Wine Environmental Management System (SME), and ISO 14001.
