6 8 SPRING 2020 FOOD & DRINKItaly
In Tuscany, Loacker Wine Estates calls itself the
“bioneer” of organic and biodynamic growing. The
black cherry and berry nose of its intense Corte
Pavone Brunello di Montalcino (VINTAGES 237263,
$57.95) turns to subtle smoke, coffee and cacao on
the palate. Look for it in the Vintages release of
April 18.Ontario
Tawse turns to natural solutions: chickens to
control bugs, grazing sheep to prune the vines...
and sometimes horses to pull its plows! Taste
Niagara Escarpment terroir in Quarry Road Organic
Riesling VQA (VINTAGES 198853, $24.95), Growers
Blend Pinot Noir VQA (VINTAGES 130989, $25.95)
and Spark Limestone Ridge Organic Sparkling
Riesling VQA (VINTAGES 370361, $20.95).Shop online for products.The roots of biodynamic
Founded by Rudolf Steiner in Germany in the 19th century, the biodynamic method of
farming goes a step beyond organic, not only forbidding chemical fertilizers and sprays but
embracing sustainable growing that follows moon cycles and prioritizes soil health. France
and Italy are among the Old World devotees; newer wine regions in New Zealand, Argentina,
Chile and Canada are among others also embracing biodynamics.More
sustainability
stars
Turn to page 39 to see how
Ontario wine makers are
championing sustainability and
read on for a few more exam-
ples from around the world.CALIFORNIA
Certified Green
under the Lodi
Rules (California’s
original sustainability
program), McManis
Family Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
(VINTAGES 212126,
$19.95) is rich with
vanilla and ripe,
dark berry fruit.SOUTH AFRICA
This organically
certified Stellen-
bosch farm holds
Conservation Cham-
pion status from the
WWF South Africa
and is fair trade
accredited. Spier
Signature Cabernet
Sauvignon (LCBO
10415, $12.95) has
chocolatey, earthy
notes.I TA LY
Sustainable under
Italy’s Equalitas pro-
gram, Lirica Primitivo
di Manduria DOC
(LCBO 326710, $17.95)
from Puglia is a close
cousin to Zinfandel,
with dark fruit and
exotic ginger and
licorice notes. Look
for it in the April 18
Vintages release.