The organic wine market - France

1.1 Definition of organic wine

You have to be draw a distinction organic wine from other types of wines produced in a different way: this is how wines are differentiated conventional of wines produced in biodynamics and even so-called wines natural . Organic wine is distinguished by the viticulture and winemaking process used during its production

• The organic wine exists legally (official specifications of the European Union) since 2012 only No synthetic treatment or insecticides are allowed and a input reduction at the time of vinification is preferable. Acidification, addition of tannins, sulphur etc. are allowed

• The biodynamic wine is to intensify soil life from plant preparations and the lunar calendar, according to the rudolf Steiner's precepts (anthroposophy). The use of sulphur, for example, is less important than for organic wines.

• The natural wine finally, combines both methods but prohibits the use of inputs or other techniques to modify the original juice other than sulphur

• Some even support s.A.I.I.N.S wines without any inputs or sulphite

Organic wines have lower constraints in authorised treatments during vinification or viticulture. For example, the standards in force in Europe provide for 160mg/litre of sulphur for a conventional wine compared to 100mg/litre for an organic wine, 70mg/litre for a biodynamic wine ( Demeter ) and 30mg/litre for a natural wine ( Association of natural wines ).

In a context of declining traditional wine consumption, the organic wine market is doing very well and is growing strongly in France and abroad. Growth on the world market thus amounts to 14% per year between 2012 and 2017, with optimistic prospects raising the market to one billion bottles by 2022.