"Organic" vodka. "Green" gin. "Natural" beer. "Biodynamic" wine.
When it comes to alcohol, there's no shortage of eco-friendlier options. What should you look for, and why?
Let's start with wine. Just because it's made from grapes doesn't mean it's organic. Look for the specifics:"USDA-certified organic" means the wine was produced without herbicides and pesticides and with
no added sulfites, preservatives that help wine maintain its color and
taste but that can cause serious allergic reactions and headaches in
susceptible people. (Sulfites occur naturally, so no wine is
sulfite-free.)
"Made from organically grown grapes" means grapes were grown without pesticides or chemicals; some sulfites may have been added as a preservative. If you're allergic, read the label carefully.
"Sustainable" may indicate the vineyard practices pesticide-free viticulture, like using sheep to suppress weeds and owls to kill rodents. However, "sustainable" is not as meaningful as "organic" unless it is backed up by independent third-party certification.
"Biodynamic" practices use techniques that build healthy soil and manage the vineyard according to the cycles of the sun, moon, and planets. When certified by the Demeter Association, it's safe to assume the vineyard met their respected standards for biodynamic production.
Whether you're having a party or just want to enjoy wine with dinner, these organic brands are worth a taste:
Parducci
If beer is more to your liking, you have some tasty eco micro-brews to choose from.
And if you plan on serving up mixed drinks, consider organic vodka, tequila, or gin. Everything in moderation, of course...
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Wilson Fern
said on April 18, 2011