Treat the whole person. Something that we lose sight of when considering Health and Wellness is that isolation is not always the solution. WE need to consider the entire entity. Even though we are focused on wine, we sometimes get asked questions which could be construed as somewhat medical in nature. Before I respond I always say, “Please let me be clear – I am not a doctor. I am not a doctor. And I am not a doctor.” So, with that in mind, please let me be clear – I am not a doctor. I am not a doctor. And I am not a doctor. However, I have heard doctors discuss the importance of looking at the big picture when considering courses of action.
How does this relate to wine? Well… it most certainly can from an agricultural perspective. More and more of the best wines we see are wines which practice “non-interventionist” agriculture. The winemakers and farmers do not want to eviscerate the landscape. They simply want the grapevines to be part of a larger, harmonious ecosystem. There are various organizations which can certify farming practices. Some folks do that by using less pesticides. Others forgo pesticides altogether. Still others seek those certifications, such as LIVE (low input viticulture and enology), Salmon Safe, SIP (sustainability in practice), all the way up to Demeter certification. Demeter is the highest degree of organic, sustainable, and biodynamic certification. Getting Demeter certification is borderline becoming a Druid. But the vineyards look, sound, and smell amazing. Mother Nature loves those Demeter folks.
Ok, well, with all that in mind here are four wines which are very much in the health and wellness space.
#1 Ilahe Pinot Noir
This excellent Oregon Pinot Noir is certified both LIVE and Salmon Safe. The coolest thing, however, is that they are literally horse powered. Horses work the earth, transport items around the vineyard, and also do bit of “mowing.” Oh, how does it taste? Like a delicious classic Oregon Pinot Noir - as you would expect, this one has cherry, strawberry, plum, cola, graham cracker, and black tea.
set this off somehow since it’s not one of the 4 wines
The next two wines are a duo of Demeter Certified Wines. Biodynamics is the next step beyond organics. And Demeter is the nth degree of biodynamics. Biodynamics, in the Demeter definition, views the entire estate as a living organism. Demeter certification compels the winery to consider the tides and phases of the moon to make the best wine. Special concoctions of herbs, minerals and manure may also be planted in the soil to aid fertilization.
#2 Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio*
This is greater than the sum of its parts. One part of the grapes was pressed immediately after harvest to keep the fresh flavors and aromas. Another part was kept on the skins for 15 hours and the third part was in contact with stems and skins for about one-year, absorbing color, some tannin, and other rich flavor components. This ain’t a simple Pinot Grigio.
#3 Domaine de Beaurenard Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge*
For those of you fortunate to travel to France, more specifically the Rhône Valley, this is the type of wine you’d have at a little bistro. It is… just… good. A delicious red wine that is expressive and complex, yet simple. The best meals are the simplest meals. And sometimes the best wines are the simplest. Just grill some sausages, pull the cork, and Robert is your mother’s brother.
Lastly, this one is all for our mental health. Honestly how much worse would our world be without Dolly Parton? If there is one thing upon which we can all agree it is this; Dolly Parton is wonderful.
#4 Dolly Chardonnay from Parton Family Cellars
It is exactly what it needs to be and does not pretend to be anything else. This is a Chardonnay that is simply happy to be here Is it the greatest thing ever? Nope. But it is Dolly. And she might be the greatest thing ever. So, use the transitive property that you might recollect from eighth grade math and enjoy this Classic Chardonnay.
*Demeter Certified wines
