Wine Down Wednesdays
Ah Wednesdays! Making it over the hump some weeks feels like such an accomplishment, and we like toasting to that achievement with a well deserved glass of vino. However, not all wines are created equal and we like to be savvy and eco-conscious about what bottles we purchase. Negative environmental impacts of traditional wine industry processes range all the way from the start (viticulture) to the end (consumption). Issues include pollution from fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides, greenhouse gas emissions from industrial farming methods, fermentation, and transportation, unregulated wastewater management, and waste by consumers. Fortunately for us, vineyards are turning more and more to sustainable practices. So we did the work for you and shared below our favorite sustainable wines in every variety and for every budget.
White
Save: Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc ($12)
Sustainability: “These Marlborough-grown grapes are certified sustainable by the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand Organization.”
Description: “Notes of white peach and grapefruit are balanced with lemongrass and fresh-cut grass in this clean, crisp Sauvignon Blanc.”
Splurge: Ostertag Les Jardins Pinot Gris 2016 ($34)
Sustainability: André Ostertag's label is committed to environmental causes which extends to how he cultivates the "terroir" or soil, versus simply focusing on growing a specific grape.
Description: “A hint of earth wafts above ripe pear notes on the nose. The palate is resolutely dry with a streak of lemon brightness running through the earth- and phenol-tinged palate. This wine is lively, fresh and serious, with a long, bone-dry finish.”
Red
Save: Ancient Peaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon ($18)
Sustainability: “Margarita Vineyard was planted in 1999 as a model of sustainability. Today [they] continue to implement numerous sustainable viticulture practices to ensure natural quality in [their] wines while protecting the rich native environment surrounding Margarita Vineyard. [Their] practices have earned SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certification for Margarita Vineyard, the leading standard for viticulture sustainability.”
Description: “The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon presents an enticing bouquet of black olive, leather, caramel, and coffee. The palate is smooth and layered, revealing prodigious flavors of cherry, plum, blueberry, and cassis with trailing hits of mint and toasted oak. Juicy acidity and sumptuous tannins add length to a resoundingly elegant finish.
Splurge: Dutton Estate Winery 2015 My Father's Vineyard Syrah ($66)
Sustainability: “[This] winery is an active participant in the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and has been certified since 2016. All of [the] Dutton Ranch vineyards are 100% Fish-Friendly Farming certified since 2014 to protect endangered coho salmon and steelhead trout. Dutton Ranch vineyards are certified Sonoma County Sustainable. Beginning with the 2017 vintage, Dutton Estate wines feature the Sonoma County Sustainably Farmed Grapes logo on our wine bottles.”
Description: “This cool-climate Syrah brings together everything we love – a meatiness, savory notes, and a finish that is like liquid gold. The opening bouquet reminds Tracy of one of her family’s famous three-berry pies that was freshly baked. You’ll notice a mild white pepper note come through as the flavors transition to cured meats, boysenberry, thyme, rosemary, and blackberry. The savory essence spills from every soft edge and screams to be served with a Bolognese sauce or bruschetta with sea salt, garlic, tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil. This full-bodied Syrah can be enjoyed now or cellared for the next 3-5 years.”
Rose
Save: Ferrari-Carano Dry Rosé ($18)
Sustainability: "This winery, located in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley has been practicing sustainable wine-growing practices for years and officially had all of its vineyards certified sustainable in 2015 by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance."
Description: “This Sangiovese blend Dry Rosé is perfect for barbecues, perfect at the beach, perfect for a picnic, perfect for sipping on a weekday night…you really can’t go wrong with this deliciously-fragrant, Dry Rosé.
Splurge: 2019 La Garagista Winery, Lupo in Bocca Rosé ($50)
Sustainability: “The work [they] do at the farm and winery, both in the field and in the cellar, is guided by regenerative, permaculture, and biodynamic thought. [They] try to let all elements of the farm speak for themselves accompanied by our stewardship.
[Their] mission is to care for our land in creative and natural ways, make way for the honest narrative told by the wines and ciders that express [the] unique landscape and each vintage year, and share in and support the spirited food and agriculture of [the] community.
Description: “Lupo in Bocca Rosé is a sparkly and highly acidic biodynamic Frontenac Gris with a medium body. Its intense fruity flavors of apples, raspberry, peach, strawberry rhubarb, and hints of loam are layered and nuanced in the first sip. Enjoy on a long hot day with grilled steak and green pepper kabob.”
Sparkling
Save: Tiamo Prosecco Made with Organic Grapes ($15)
Sustainability: This extra-dry Prosecco is crafted from hand-harvested vineyards in and around the Valdobbiadene region. This means that the pollution from traditional harvesting machinery is non-existent.
Description: “Tiamo Prosecco is a straw yellow color. The wine offers fresh and rich fruity aromas of apple and pear with a hint of citrus fruit that fades into the floral bouquet. Fresh and fruity with fine bubbles.”
Splurge: Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs ($35)
Sustainability: “Schramsberg Winery practices land conservation and stewardship as acknowledged through the Napa Green Certified Winery and Land Programs.”
Description: “The 2016 Blanc de Blancs has bright and fresh aromas of green apple, apricot and orange blossom. The fruitful fragrance intermingles with hints of honey, and lemon zest. Freshly sliced peaches, pear and bright pineapple flavors carry vibrant length on the palate.
While this wine can be enjoyed by itself as an apéritif, it is also perfect with fresh oysters and other shellfish, crab cakes, ceviche and grilled sea bass. It is also delicious with lemon chicken and Thai curries. Serve with aged Gouda or other hard cheeses, and as a counterpoint to soft triple creams.”
Let us know if you have any favorite sustainable wines in the comments below!
