Truth be told, organic booze takes up more grey area on the shelf than it does green. The problem is standards.
International regulations as to what really constitutes an organic product vary considerably; with consumers and retailers alike using the term to cover just about anything with a flower on the label.
When it comes to wine there are very few made with one hundred per cent organic juice. The grapes may be organically grown (using biodynamic farming methods and no chemicals in the vineyard) but there can still be limited artificial stabilization used during the actual winemaking.
Not to downplay how serious many wineries are in gaining (and keeping) their organic status. History tells the best tales and there isn’t a winemaker with more time to the cause (or with more varietal variety) than California’s Bonterra Vineyards.
Their 2006 Zinfandel ($18.95 – $21.99) is rich and aromatic with loads of dark chocolate and warm earthiness that would make a perfect partner for beef.
On the spirit side you can make your martinis au natural with Square One Vodka ($40.59 – $52.99). Made with organically grown American rye it’s a smooth, silky vodka that loses nothing in the translation.
Prices reflect the range across the country. Some products may not be available in all provinces.
Peter Rockwell is the everyman’s wine writer, working in the liquor industry for more than 25 years and travelling the globe looking for something to fill his glass and put into words.
