Winemakers are overhauling practices to take better care of the environment and protect vines from climate extremes, and consumers are embracing the evolution. The new generation of wine drinkers are showing strong support for sustainability, which applies not only to viticultural and vinification procedures, but also ethical workplace philosophy.
Esporao was Founded in 1973 with the mission to make the finest wines from what nature provides, in a responsible and inspiring way, with minimal impact on the environment. They are one of the leading producers in Portugal, and one of the largest producers of organic wine in the world. Protecting soils, increasing the resilience and quality of the vineyards allows them to obtain healthier and more balanced grapes that require less intervention in the winery, and produce wines with greater identity, sense of place, and without products that are harmful to health and the environment.
Why not try: Herdade de Esporao, Organic Reserva Tinto, Altenjejo, Portugal 2020
Intense and complex aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and black plum fused with liquorice and spice. Rich, round and ample on the mid-palate with ripe, smooth tannins that wrap around a core of further blackcurrant and hedgerow fruits, underpinned by a sprinkling of black pepper and nutmeg spice on the persistent finish.
Jacques Boncoeur is the first fully certified sustainable producer in the Champagne region. They practice environmentally sustainable wine growing by using integrated viticultural techniques which takes into account the protection of resources and the environment as well as human health. They have a programme in place to recycle all waste products and have installed solar panels to power the winery. They have introduced measures to increase biodiversity in the vineyard by managing ground cover and increasing wildlife. Biodiversity is the key indicator of the health of an ecosystem and enables the vineyard to be more resilient to the effects of climate change.
Why not try: Jacques Boncoeur Brut Reserve Champagne, NV
Beautiful aromatic complexity of green apples, lemon citrus with undertones of brioche and hazelnut. Delicate, persistent mousse on the palate fuses with a subtle combination of structure, vivacity and a creamy texture that envelops the core green and citrus fruit with added savoury undertones.
Zuccardi have been at the forefront of sustainable winemaking practices in Argentina, and reducing the impact of vine growing and wine making on the environment has been paramount to them. The winery is mostly powered by solar energy and has been designed to work most of the day with natural light, which allows them to minimise electricity consumption. They focus on sustainable agriculture and are constantly searching for ways to reduce their environmental impact by maintaining biodiversity in the vineyards and respecting the soil, air, flora and fauna.
Why not try: Apelacion Chardonnay, Zuccardi, Mendoza, Argentina 2020
Grown at 1250m in the Uco Valley, which is then fermented in concrete and used oak barrels with indigenous yeasts, followed by aging “sur lie” without malolactic fermentation. A smooth, slightly creamy style with fragrant blossom aromas and fresh acidity. Nicely balanced, with a long, aromatic finish.
Castello Banfi firmly believes in sustainability as a comprehensive concept that involves all stages of the product chain, and they consider their success to be in line with respect of the environment and human well-being. They have established an integrated process involving three essential factors: each action must be socially fair, environmentally safe and economically feasible.
Why not try: Castello Banfi La Pettegola Vermentino, Tuscany, Italy 2021
Delightfully fresh with an intense, fruit-forward bouquet of apple and pear with added lemon citrus and hints of elderflower. Crisp and clean on the palate with racy acidity that leads into a linear, white pepper-infused finish.
Château de Tracy has been run by the same family since the 14th Century, a tradition which continues to the present day with Henry de Tracy. The Domaine consists of 33 hectares of vines on the flinty slopes that surround the property, as well as those on the famous Kimmeridgian clay-limestone in Vilmoy a few kilometres away. The winery was awarded sustainable certification in 2014, having been practicing sustainable viticulture for several years prior to that by creating a wine-growing system which respects the environment.
Why not try: Chateau de Tracy Pouilly-Fume, France 2021
A classic Pouilly-Fume nose of lemon citrus and grapefruit with hints of freshly cut grass and herbs. Aromatic and elegant with underlying concentration and finesse.
