While the team here at Crown Cellars consists of a relatively small group of people that are very passionate about wine, we are also proud to be a part of a much bigger business; Carlsberg Group. Any business on a global scale has a responsibility to the future of the planet, a responsibility that Carlsberg Group takes very seriously; our Together Towards Zero & Beyond programme aims for zero carbon emissions at our breweries, 100% recyclable, reusable and renewable packaging and for 100% of our electricity to come from renewable sources at our breweries by 2030, with plenty more targets on top of that
We also value working with other companies that aim to achieve similar goals – several of our partner winemakers are certified organic, sustainable and/or biodynamic. Our portfolio is filled with wines from around the world, and countries often have different names for the certification of one or all of these practices, so we thought it would be worth highlighting a few
Organic Wines
Organic certification in wine means, in the most basic sense, that the grapes have been farmed organically. The definition can vary country to country, but it generally excludes the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, fungicides and herbicides. It also limits the use of added sulphites (a preservative that forms naturally in winemaking) as well as flavouring agents, GMO yeasts and colouring agents like the grape juice concentrate ‘Mega Purple’, which adds deep colour and a touch of sweetness when used.
Organic wines actually tend to require less water as the soils contain more organic matter, holding the water better, as well as not tainting local ecosystems with chemicals. EU Organic certifications go beyond this to even use guidelines to ensure the ethical treatment of vineyard workers.
Certified organic is always a plus, but we also work with winemakers that are practicing organic, meaning that while they follow organic practices they are not yet certified. Organic practices need to be in place for at least three years before certification is granted
Stellar Organics Running Duck range, including a Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc Blend, Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz and a Shiraz Rose
South Africa
Certified Organic, Fair for Life
Brunello di Montalcino, Fossacolle
Italy
Practicing Organic
Cycles Gladiator Zinfandel and Pinot Noir
USA
Practicing Organic
Légende Médoc, Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite)
France
Practicing Organic, Practicing Sustainable
Bodegas Caro Aruma Malbec, Domaines Barons de Rothschild
Argentina
Practicing Organic, Practicing Sustainable
Federico Paternina Banda Azul Cava Brut
Spain
Certified Organic
Revenant range, including a Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Rose and Syrah
South Africa
Practicing Organic, Certified Sustainable
Domaine de Petit Roubié, Picpoul de Pinet ‘Nature de Roubie’ – Pedley’s Pick!
France
Certified Organic, Certified Sustainable
Bodegas Piqueras, Old Vines Garnacha Organic ‘Piqueras’ – Pedley’s Pick!
Spain
Certified EU Organic
Condrieu ‘Les Ravines’, Domaine Niero
France
Practicing Organic, Practicing Sustainable
Also in the range:
Belsazar Dry White Vermouth – Berlin, Germany – Practicing Organic, Practicing Biodynamic, Practicing Sustainable
Côte-Rôtie, Domaine Niero – Rhone, France – Practicing Organic, Practicing Sustainable
Côtes-du-Rhône, Villages Laudun, Château Courac – Rhone, France – Practicing Organic, Practicing Sustainable
Crozes-Hermitage, Domaine Pradelle – Rhone, France – Practicing Organic, Practicing Sustainable