Sustainable, Organic And Biodynamic Viticulture By Benjawan Wisootsa

Today’s society is very hectic. Little do people know that the shortcuts that they take have an impact, not only on us, but also on nature. The rise of sustainable products attracted the attention of many, as it shows how sustainability could make an impact on our day-to-day life in the long run. After a long period of using pesticides, herbicides and chemical additives, many agricultural lands had faced a troubling issue of soil erosion amongst others. The same problem exists in vineyards around the world, as winemakers realize that while their yields are more plentiful, biodiversity had disappeared as vines become more prone to pests and diseases.

By Benjawan Wisootsa

For many, the solution to this problem is increasing the use of these harmful chemicals that temporarily eliminate these problems. For others, sustainable practices are adopted in order to give back to the soil and create biodiversity in the vineyards again Methods of detoxification results in healthier vines, and a healthier environment. Although yields are not as plentiful as when using chemicals, the wines produced are truer and purer expressions of the varietals, and the terroir. The efforts put into maintaining the quality of the vineyards as well as the wines cannot be looked past, as the dedication from these craftsmen can be experienced in the glass.

Their devotion to keeping things as simple and ecological as possible even when times are tough can be seen from sustainable winemakers, who choose to farm organically whenever possible, such as the world renown Rieslings from Fritz Haag, settled on steep slopes of Mosel. Others who are situated in areas that is suitable for organic viticulture such as Castello di Volpaia in Tuscany not only farm their grapes organically, but other produce to be used on the estate as well. In addition many artisan winemakers who are spiritually connected to nature had adopted a more holistic approach to organic farming, biodynamic. Biodynamic viticulture takes into consideration much more than just not using any chemicals, as it takes into account lunar and astronomic cycles that affect the quality of the fruit grown. Pioneers such as Nicolas Joly of Clos de la Coulée de Serrant in Loire had made a career change from a highly profitable banker to go back to basics. After inheriting the estate from his family, and years of experimentation, he realized the impact sustainability and biodiversity has towards the land as well as the fruit. Combined with his method of creating natural wines, the product is excitingly unique.

These wines give back to nature as well as are much healthier to consume. Not only do we care about our health and our planet, we also care about our clients. Fin has long been introduced on the foundation of fairness, loyalty and equity. Not only are our products sustainable, but also our business practices. Our prices are sustainable. There is no need for that additional 10% off; we only take a small margin, enough for us to operate. Take it as all our prices have already been discounted for you. We are honest and loyal. We don’t ever want to do high mark ups to trick clients with the excitement of promotions.

Tell us more about Sustainable, Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture

Sustainable

Sustainable viticulture is a “systems view of wine grape growing that considers soil building as the foundation, minimizes off-farm inputs, emphasizes economic profitability and concerns itself with environmental health and social equity.” – Cliff Ohmart. It is based on the logic of reducing chemical inputs into the vineyards in order to continue farming healthy grapes on healthy soils without the degradation caused by chemical compounds. It is ecologically sound, economically viable and socially responsible. The aim of sustainable winemakers are to farm as organically as possible while retaining the ability to react to adverse problems that could potentially ruin their harvest. Sustainable practices are adopted when the luxury of constantly farming organically is unavailable due to the complexity of certain areas and situations.

Organic

In relation to the philosophy of “you are what you eat”, organic viticulture is more than just a trend; it is a movement. Wines made from organic grapes are constantly gaining a reputation within the wine scene due to health factors towards consumers and the planet. It is also one of the best ways to grow well-balanced vines that yield fruits with the best quality, leading to better wines.

As an alternative to conventional solutions, winemakers patiently grow their grapes using simple approaches that eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides and herbicides in the vines and using plant and mineral-based products instead. The key is: no chemicals. Minimal levels of natural sulfites or sulfur dioxide may be added as the copper sulfate is a natural compound occurs in nature. The lack of synthetic compounds in the vineyard means that the grapes harvested are in its purest form as a product of the winemaker’s careful observations and land management tactics in the vineyards.

Unlike conventional grape-growing techniques, organic farming enables the wines made to unlock hidden secrets and nuances of the terroir and each varietal’s identity in every glass.

Healthier soils have better structure and organic matter content that aid the plants’ immunity towards pests, diseases, and adverse weather conditions. The availability of cover crops grown between rows of vines also provides refuge for other beneficial insects that control the population of pests. In addition, the vines are able to retain more nutrients from the soil to yield healthy fruit after a minimum of three years have been devoted to detoxifying a single plot of land. While organic certifications are available, artisanal winemakers in our portfolio do not stress on the importance of certifications due to its bureaucracy and their knowledge on practices that are best for their vineyards and the overall environment.

Biodynamic viticulture is a more holistic approach toward organic farming developed by Rudolf Steiner in the 1920s. It utilizes homeopathic treatments of special preparations of herbal sprays and composts applied the right time taking into account astrological influences and lunar cycles. It looks at the vineyards as part of the planet and the entire solar system that everything has an impact upon each other. The idea behind biodynamic viticulture is to develop biodiversity within the vineyards by applying formulas with special preparations in order to boost the vineyard’s immune system through increased microbiological life in the environment. The approach focuses on polyculture and the management of species living in the area as a means to prevent threats, rather than treatments to problems.

The method promotes farming methods that encourage the vineyards to strengthen its own immune system and become a self-sustaining ecosystem rather than becoming reliant on synthetic chemicals. Biodynamic wineries tend to have land that has been set aside to promote natural relationships between predators and prey in the vineyards that help control the level of biological threats to the vines. Livestock such as cows and sheep are also raised within or nearby the vineyards as its manure are naturally rich in nitrogen, a good fertilizer for the vines.

Vines grown biodynamically are energy efficient and have the least environmental burden due to the lack of tractors and heavy machinery as well as the absence of synthetic compounds. Soil structure and porosity are improved, the content of organic matter is increased and the vines gain the ability to combat effects from extreme weather conditions. The complexity within the biodiversity provides vines with the opportunity to interact uniquely with its terroir as access to soil nutrients may enhance the differences between sites expressed in the glass. Biodynamic techniques create wines that uncover each vineyard’s truth and potential. The wines made this way are described to be true to its soil, varietal and climate. It represents if the specific place of origin, aroma, flavor and texture.

Biodynamic farming rewards the winemaker’s efforts put into daily surveillance of the environment and the love and care for their vines. They are great observers of nature with great knowledge and sensitivity towards their surroundings. The product is a wine that contains more nutrients and natural antioxidants, are less processed and is better for your health and the planet.

About Benjawan Wisootsa, wine expert

I believe that people become more individual and have higher demands for personalized experiences. They are constantly looking for things that are more and more fabulous, so yes. Fabulous is needed!

I want to share a fabulous world of food, wine, décor, traveling and anything related to a fabulous lifestyle with you. With a passion for a fabulous lifestyle and realising that people would like to have things that are unique and individual, I have created Fin – “Fabulous is needed” to fulfill your desire and needs for the lifestyle, while sharing my fabulous experiences with you. These are the experiences that nobody has ever had is worth sharing with fabulous people.

I love art and believe that life is art on this planet and to have a fabulous life is like owning a masterpiece. So let’s enjoy and share this fabulous lifestyle together with Fin Naturally wine collection of sustainable, unique and beautiful wines, or cook and dine together with Fin Catering, explore unseen places together with Fin Travel, or throw fabulous parties with Fin Event! Any fabulous requests to fulfill your needs will be taken care of each with a personalized concept. Yes, fabulous is needed and it’s fin who can accomplish this with you.

My Company: Fin Wine

Fin is the exclusive distributor for artisanal and handcrafted wines from small boutique wineries around the world. The wines available are pieces of art in itself, as it is the true expression of the maker. After having dedicated their love and passion to the production of these wines, the attention and care exerted into these wines are carried on to create an impression to drinkers. The wines are crafted in small wineries, by many who have been honoring the tradition for generations. These wines are true expressions of the grapes, the winemaker’s vision, and the terroir. They are all natural: sustainable, organic and bio-dynamic. Our philosophy leads to a sustainable planet and also our strong and honest philosophy with our clients that implements limited sustainable margin without a surplus mark-up to trick the customers to buy more to gain discount. We are honest to the nature and honest to our customers.

Fin Catering

Food brings people together and allows the diner to engage with all their senses. The plating, the smell, the texture and the flavors, when put together creates a harmonic pleasure and always provides something to talk about. My passion in cooking and love for art enables me to create delicious and innovative dishes that are memorable and unique, only to you or your event. I am a chef by passion and i have been honoured to cook for the state visits of Prince and Princess of Belgium, German Finance Minister, MD of International Monetary Fund, Governors of the State Bank of Australia, Japan, EMEAB, and world class conductor Zubin Metha, just to name a few.

Fine dining can never be completed without the presence of beverages that complement the dishes. For this reason, Fin’s service covers more than just the food, but also ensures the perfect pairing for your every dish with Fin Naturally wine collection.

Fin Event

Fin Event is more than just throwing a party. It is a tailor-made service provided to make your dreams and fantasies come true. These fabulous parties will serve the style and the vision of the host, as well as cater to the interests and tastes of the guests. Everything from ambiance, decor, food, and entertainment are specially designed and selected for each event, making sure that no two events are the same. We ensure that your guests will feel your warmth and hospitality at the event, and leave with a unique and meaningful experience.
Fin Travel

Aimed for wanderlusts with a taste for the finer things in life, Fin Travel is the fruit of my passion for traveling and seeing new things. Unlike other agents and operators, Fin Travel caters to your every desire and brings you to places unlike others. Whether your interest is in gastronomy, architecture, history or wine, Fin will help you plan a trip to go off the beaten paths, or taste the best foods, whether it be fine dining restaurants, or delicious stalls existed for generations.

Our goal: Fin Naturally Philosophy “think naturally, live naturally, with fin naturally.”

Fin’s small, artisanal winemakers have put in passion, love, and dedication to craft the wines available in the fin naturally collection. The effort put in to create these wines can be experienced in the glass, through purer flavors and truer expressions of the grapes and the terroir. Being recognized as the pioneer in the boutique wine scene in Thailand for more than a decade, we have taken a step forward, to become more fabulous and more sustainable. The sustainable, organic, and biodynamic wines in fin’s exclusive boutique wine collection are crafted by winemakers who are artisans in their own right and is guaranteed to bring you on a sensational journey through its unique features.