Article: Bonterra Organic Vineyards

Bonterra Organic Vineyards has been one of my favourite wines for a very long time. Their effort to become the best winery in California is soon to be reached. Bonterra makes both organic and biodynamic wines which mean that they do not use synthetic chemicals in their production and they fallow a very strict program in agriculture technique. When it comes to biodynamic agriculture there are very strict rules on how to implement its methods.

The practice of biodynamics in viticulture (grape growing) has become popular in recent years in several growing regions. There are currently more than 450 biodynamic wine producers worldwide. Currently, for a wine to be labeled “biodynamic” it has to meet the stringent standards laid down by the Demeter Association, which is an internationally recognized certifying body. As a practical method of farming, biodynamics embodies the ideal of ever-increasing ecological self-sufficiency just as with modern agro-ecology, but includes ethical-spiritual considerations. This type of viticulture views the farm as a cohesive, interconnected living system. By adopting biodynamic methods it can achieve improvements in the health of the vineyards, specifically in the areas of biodiversity, soil fertility, crop nutrition, and pest, weed, and disease management.

Personally I really enjoy biodynamic wines; the quality is very good, highly monitored and more balanced in taste. Bonterra uses the nature of balance to grow the perfect wine. They use the nature’s surroundings to perfect its technique in viticulture.

Bonterra wines that Western Taste recommends are:

White Wine

Bonterra Chardonnay 2009, Mendocino County, California USA (Best white in its class)

Nr at Systembolaget: 16632

Cost in Sweden: 135 SEK

Cost in China: Unknown

Cost in US: Approx. 9,5 USD

Bonterra Viognier 2007, Mendocino County, California USA

Nr at Systembolaget: 85310

Cost in Sweden: 135 SEK

Cost in China: Unknown

Cost in US: Approx. 9,5 USD

Red Wine

Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendocino County, California USA (Best Organic Cabernet Sauvignon)

Nr at Systembolaget: 6710

Cost in Sweden: 139 SEK

Cost in China: Unknown

Cost in US: Approx. 10 USD

Bonterra Zinfandel 2009, Mendocino County, California USA

Nr at Systembolaget: 22620

Cost in Sweden: 139 SEK

Cost in China: Unknown

Cost in US: Approx. 10 USD

Bonterra The McNab 2007, Mendocino County, California USA (Absolutely Amazing!)

Nr at Systembolaget: 73373

Cost in Sweden: 299 SEK

Cost in China: Unknown

Cost in US: Approx. 30 USD

Written by Alexander Yü