Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture
Forty Hall Vineyard will be cultivated following organic and biodynamic principles.
Organic grapes are grown from vines which are cultivated without the use of synthetic fungicides, herbicides or fertilisers. In vineyards where the environment is respected and biodiversity encouraged, the vines grow in a living soil, full of worms and bacteria. This enables them to draw upon the optimum levels of minerals from the soil. In turn, these healthy vines develop better resistance to disease and go on to produce fruit for years to come. Pests are controlled by biological methods such as the planned release of ladybirds which eat vine aphids. Mildew problems may also be managed with salts such as copper sulphate and elemental (not man-made) sulphur and the use of these sprays is carefully controlled and limited.
Click here for more information about organic viticulture (pdf)
Biodynamic viticulture is less familiar that organic viticulture, though its supporters are on the increase. Though controversial, biodynamic viticulture is creating a keen interest in wine circles based on the high quality of the wines produced by this method (read more). Based on a theory first proposed by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, biodynamic production involves mixing farming elements with astrology and homeopathy. Like organic farming, biodynamic production forbids the use of pesticides, herbicides and artificial fertilisers (apart from sulphur sprays); it differs from organic farming by utilising homeopathic and herbal field sprays along with estate-made composts to increase soil fertility and strengthen and protect vines from pests and diseases. Lunar cycles, earth rhythms and astrology are also employed to ensure that activities in the vineyard are correctly timed. In short, by employing biodynamic principles the grower is aiming to harmonise the rhythm of the vine with its capacity to bear fruit. Increasingly, internationally-renowned estates are using this approach to make better wine with great success.
Click here for more information about biodynamics (pdf)