| The Advertiser | page 9 |
Biodynamic Viticulture honours Mother Nature Mother Nature is a force to be reckoned with, clearly demonstrated in the events of the past month; storms, rain, flooding, rain and yet more rain. As spring slowly arrives, one can only marvel at the mystery of all that is Mother Nature. Biodynamic viticulture is based on the work of Austrian philosopher, Rudolph Steiner (1861-1925). Viewed by some as ‘extreme organic’ viticulture, biodynamic supporters view their vineyards as a living organism and work towards vineyard management in a self-sustaining manner. Our planet Earth is also considered a living being, with diurnal and seasonal rhythms that are both dependent on and receptive to cosmic cycles. Biodynamic farmers consider the positioning of the sun, moon and other ‘cosmic rhythms’ as a guide to prune, plant, or dig. Organic practices such as crop rotation and composting are employed and the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers are banned. In place of these, horn manure and horn silica are used, placed in a cow horn and buried in the vineyard for six months over winter or summer respectively. The belief is that it helps processes within the soil and promotes plant growth. Controversially, this form of viticultural practice has produced some outstanding results, however, without the support of conclusive scientific explanation. ‘For truth is always strange; stranger than fiction.’ George Gordon Byron (1788-1824)
6 Cornmarket, Faringdon Entrance behind “The Barbers Shop”
07920260841 Late Night Appointments available until 9pm
Chateau Maris Biodynamic Minervois Vielles Vignes 2011 Ocado £10.99 A full bodied syrah originating from the Languedoc. Rich with flavours of cracked black pepper and black cherries and vanilla spice. This wine finishes long, with well integrated, smooth tannins. The perfect companion to roast beef, game pie or Oxford Blue. Donna 01367 241169 / 07919 241881 Email: donnarogers@denboerwines.com www.denboerwines.com