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ORGANIC DRINKS
Organic celebrations
Max Allen has a challenge for you This festive season, see if you
can go all-organic, and all-Australian. Not just with what
you eat, but also with what you drink.T
he food side of organic festivities is pretty easy.
Given the title of the magazine you’re holding in
your hands, it’s a safe bet that much of the fruit
and veg you plan to serve to family and friends at this
time of year will be homegrown and organic. Or straight
from the farmer’s market, or your local wholefoods store.
Even the supermarkets have cottoned on to the organic
food trend and now stock heaps of certified local produce.
But finding organic and biodynamic Australian wines
- and other alcoholic drinks – isn’t quite so easy. Yes, some
independent bottle shops have a good selection, and the
larger liquor chains are slowly improving their organic
range. But most of Australia’s organic drinks-makers are
boutique operations with limited distribution, and
tracking down their products requires a bit of planning - especially if you want to offer a wide range of drinks,
from crisp sparkling to mellow brandy: you either have
to buy direct from the cellar door or order online
through specialist retailers (see the list on page 65).
It’s definitely worth the effort, though. For a start, it
feels right to drink local: not only are you cutting down
on the “booze miles” involved in the life cycle of the
drink – from the vineyard or paddock or orchard to
your glass – but you’re also supporting Australian
farmers, workers and business owners, most of
whom live in rural communities.
And the same reasons for eating organic also apply
to drinking organic. Whether it’s grapes for winemaking,
grains for beer or distillation, or apples for cider, growing
crops according to organic or biodynamic principles
means not using synthetic chemicals, promoting soil
health, and ensuring the sustainability of the farm and
business. It can also, I believe, produce better-tasting,
more enjoyable drinks – which is why choosing organic
makes sense during the time of year that’s all about
enjoying yourself.
To help you stock your fridge and drinks cabinet this
festive season I’ve recommended a few options in each
category. I’ve also included a few higher-priced drinks in
case you feel like treating yourself to some posher-than-
usual Christmas cheer, or are looking for ideas for a
special present for wine-loving friends or family. But
for more options, look at the ever-expanding range
and reviews by the online organic retailers.
And remember: drinking more organic and biodynamic
wines and beers and spirits may be better for the planet,
but it’s not better for you if you drink too much. “No
synthetic chemicals” doesn’t equal “no hangover”.Sparkling wines
Sparkling wine consumption always goes up during the
festive season: whether it’s Christmas Day, Boxing Day,
New Years’ Day or all the holidays in between, there’s
always an excuse to open a bottle of bubbly.
There aren’t that many Australian certified organic
sparkling wines out there, but the Spring Seed Wine
Co. in McLaren Vale can cover most of your organic
fizz needs: the pale pink Sweet Pea Moscato is a good
accompaniment to present opening on Christmas
morning; the Gypsy Blanc de Blancs is what you need to