Biodynamic Grape Growing is HUGE
I think it’s safe to say that Huge Johnson (not his real name?) of Huge Johnson’s World of Wine Blog is becoming America’s biggest and best critic of Biodynamic viticulture…or at least of the claims made by it’s adherents.
Biodynamic grape growing is certainly gaining a higher profile among American vintners and probably among American wine drinkers. However, if you are the type to support and defend a trend simply because it seems more green, Huge’s comments on the subject really should be closely read by you.
His latest investigation into the claims made by the proponents of biodynamic grape growing can be found in THIS POST. Read.
I’m waiting for him to explain how if Biodynamics is total bunk, why are some of the absolute greatest wineries in the world Biodynamic? To me, he is saying that the owners and winemakers of Leroy, Zind-Humbrecht, Weinbach, Deiss, some of Joseph Phelps, Arena, some of DRC, Chapoutier, Gravner, Movia, Araujo, Domaine Leflaive, Alvaro Palacios and Pingus, amongst others, are morons.
The good thing is that we won’t have to worry about him drinking any of the wines made by these producers, so there will be just that tiny bit more for the rest of us!
Huge doesnt’ question the validity of each and every aspect of biodynamic farming. It is, afterall, much like organic farming. What I like reading from Huge is his deconstruction of some of the really loopy metaphysical aspects of the biodynamic technique.
Ooops. I posted this comment on his site, but I meant to post it here, so:
He could have pointed out that chamomile as a soil indicator is a sign of hard crust, that it is useful in small amounts as a soil breaker, and that as it is rich in potassium and calcium it can be good for compost.
Or he could have pointed out that dandelions are a useful component in cover crops because their roots rot away into pure humus, enriching the soil, attracting earthworms, and providing downward drainage.
Wouldn’t you think that before going BioD, a vineyard owner would at least learn some basics of sustainable farming? Or did he just wake up one day and decide this would be the next cool thing, and went in search of his vineyard manager. “Listen, Juan, this is what I want you to do . . .”
Jack – You are using a common lobical falacy – that correlation equals causation (post hoc ergo prompter hoc). You are assuming that because your selection of wineries makes good wine and uses BioD that it must be an effective technique. I could, of course, put forth a number of mediocre wines that were made under BioD. Does that, in your estimation, mean BioD is bunk? Of course not. One must look a little deeper…
Mary – I agree that there are many ways to grow grapes and that sustainable farming and organic farming are both sound, proven ways to do so. Until somebody can explain the pseudo-science of BioD, I will continue to question it, whether I like the wines it produces or not.
Cheers,
Huge
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