Sustainability has become an important issue across industries, and winemaking is no exception. More and more vineyards and wineries in the UK and abroad are taking steps to reduce their environmental impact and implement ethical, eco-friendly practices. These pioneers are not only benefiting the planet, but also producing unique and high-quality wines that stand out in the market.
Practices for Sustainable Viticulture
Many sustainable winemakers focus first on their vineyard practices. As wine expert Jancis Robinson told The Grocer, “It all starts in the vineyard. The most basic tenet of sustainable viticulture is healthy soil, as this is the source of healthy vines and good flavour grapes.” Common sustainable practices include:
- Organic farming without synthetic chemicals
- Using cover crops to enrich soil between vine rows
- Encouraging biodiversity with insectaries and nesting boxes
- Limiting water usage with drought-resistant rootstocks
- Hand-picking grapes to ensure quality
Innovations in the Cellar
Sustainable considerations don’t stop once the grapes reach the winery. As pioneering English winemaker Simon Day of Stopham Estate said, “We aim to tread lightly, not just in the vineyards, but in the winery and office too.” Innovative cellar practices include:
- Using solar, wind or biofuel energy
- Recycling water and reusing wastewater
- Fermenting wines naturally without additives
- Avoiding fining and filtration when possible
- Bottling wines in lightweight, eco-friendly packaging
Day added, “It’s very satisfying producing top quality wines in a sustainable way. It complements the terroir.”
Pairing Sustainable British Wines
So what should you pair with these eco-minded British wines? Sommelier Victoria Moore recommends matching them with local, seasonal British cuisine. “The focus and precision of these sustainable wines make them perfect partners to simple grilled and roasted meats, cheeses, and vegetables,” she said. More specifically, the bright acids and minerality of English Bacchus would suit seafood like scallops or mussels. An off-dry English red like Pinot Noir Précoce could complement roasted game birds.
Storing and Serving Sustainable Wine
When it comes to storing sustainable wine, wine shop owner Charles Metcalfe advises, “Minimise transportation miles by buying from local vineyards, then keep the wine in a cool, dark place once at home.” He also suggests serving these wines slightly cooler than conventional wines. “The lower serving temperature allows the exquisite terroir to shine,” Metcalfe explains.
So next time you’re looking for a bottle, consider choosing a wine made sustainably. Not only will you be helping the environment, you may just find a new favourite eco-friendly wine.