Sustainable; is it just Organic with an insurance policy?

Sustainability is making its way into many facets of our lives. Sustainable building practices and development are being encouraged in our communities. Sustainable furniture from recycled materials is making it into our homes and businesses. Sustainability in food products exists with an emphasis on lower levels or the elimination of chemicals in the growth of the plant or animal. The responsible attitude that favors a more carbon neutral footprint on the planet is appealing to the soul of the consumer.

Let me hit you with some knowledge: Sustainability in grape growing is a viticultural practice which aims to avoid any form of environmental degradation while maintaining the economic viability of the vineyard. It is defined by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program at the University of California at Davis as ‛the principle that we must meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’

Sustainability is both a priority and a lifestyle with the benefits being two-fold: the practices are gentle on the earth and many winemakers believe they result in brighter, more flavorful wine that better reflect the characteristics of the land from which they are grown. Sustainable agriculture is the first step towards the practice of organic farming. Is it ideal? No. Just because one documents the chemicals used, there are still chemicals being utilized. So sustainable is only as good as the farmer who uses the practice.

The reduction of agrochemicals in grape farming can have many benefits. With chemical reduction on farms, winery workers are not subject to breathing these chemicals with the added benefit of no risk of any chemical residue making it into your wine. With less agrochemicals, the vine and the soil that it lives in is said to be healthier and more resistant to maladies. Depending on the vineyard site, it may be less expensive to farm without chemical treatments. Large wineries such as Gallo and Robert Mondavi have been moving some of their vineyards to organic farming in advance of impending health initiatives in California and with the thought of being able to benefit from the ability to be able to market an ‘organically grown’ product. Any reduction in potential liability for a corporation will be a benefit to both the corporation and its customers.

One of our favorite new world wineries is Cono Sur from Chile. Cono Sur embodies a fresh and contemporary approach to viticulture and wine making combined with passion for quality and innovation. Cono Sur has a range of organic wines with the first in our stores being a Pinot Noir from the Colchagua Valley. Cono Sur began their Pinot Noir project in 1999, with the idea of producing the finest Pinot Noir in Chile. After that goal was achieved, they set out to create a world quality Pinot Noir that is unique, expressive and yet still indicative of its new world roots. Old world expertise comes from Martin Prieur of Domaine Jacques Prieur, the seasoned Pinot Noir winemaker who was integral in helping Cono Sur to select many of the best Chilean terroirs for Pinot Noir and who guides them on how to optimally care for these vineyards. Under the radar, Cono Sur may have become the most substantial producer of Pinot Noir in the world; this year’s estimate is one-quarter of a million cases and growing. The sustainable offering is somewhat highly allocated though.

The farming of Cono Sur Sustainable Pinot Noir was designed to make efficient use of renewable resources, protect the environment and cause minimum impact to the surrounding ecological system utilizing the finest sustainable agriculture practices. The geese above are natural predators for the vine pest called burrito that can affect the vine. The bicycle is on the label of the bottle as this is the low impact way of getting workers through the vineyard with no carbon emissions and little to no soil compaction.


Starting with the 2009 vintage, this wine will be certi­fied organic as this Pinot Noir is essentially grown using organic principles but has to go through a three year waiting period to become officially organic. The grapes are grown on Cono Sur’s main vineyard in the Colchagua Valley. The soil is composed of well drained alluvial gravels that have a low to moderate vigor. The cool nights and foggy mornings of this part of the valley is perfect for growing Pinot Noir.

During the vinification process, the grapes were de-stemmed and punched down in open stainless steel fermentors after a cold maceration of the pulp with the skins. The finished wine spent 10 months in half new and half once used French oak barrels.

This Pinot Noir has a vibrant red color with intense aromatics. Bright, juicy and fresh in the mouth, with notes of cherry, raspberry and strawberry married with hints of plum and a subtle smokiness.

Cono Sur ‘Sustainable’ Pinot Noir 2006, Retail $13.99 Warehouse $9.99

Unfortunately this wine is limited and will likely be around for only a few weeks. $10 Pinot that is grown using organic methods…….a nice buy for you Pinot lovers out there.

This is officially blog #52 for those of you counting at home. One whole year! Whoopie! Thanks for following the blog. We hope that you find the blog both informative and slightly entertaining. Peace, out.