Information

What are Vegetarian and Vegan wines?

In wine making, the part where fermented wine is cleared of its sediment is called fining. The problem is, some fining agents contain animal gelatine or fish-based products, hardly suitable for vegetarians or vegans. However when egg white or a similar milk based product is used, the wine is fine for vegetarians.

When an inert clay or similar natural substance is used-or indeed nothing at all* the wine is fine for vegans.

All well and good but how can you tell?

Wine labels rarely carry a list of ingredients and only occasionally, vegetarian or vegan symbols. Well, short of campaigning for full and proper labelling, the only way is to buy your wines from environmentally – conscious outlets who offer expert guidance.

Your very good health!

*Some dedicated (and very patient!) wine makers leave the sediment to settle naturally.

What are Biodynamic wines?

The theory of biodynamics was born in 1924 when Austrian philosopher Dr. Rudolf Steiner delivered a series of lectures on agriculture.

Biodynamic methods embrace all organic ideas but are both stricter and wider reaching and take into consideration the natural rhythms of the earth and cosmos with the wine and its capacity to bear the best quality fruit. A special biodynamic calendar dictates the timing of many vineyard tasks. Special water-based sprays of homeopathic strengths containing minute traces of substances like silica, yarrow, nettle camomile and very importantly cow dung are used to activate and increase fertility in the soil, as well as protect the vines from pests and diseases.

What's In Your Wine

Please see the link below to find out exactly what's in your wine >

http://www.channel4.com/video/dispatches-whats-in-your-wine/catchup.html