Organic News 3

AOC Champagne Fleury Vintage 1995 (France)
Why it’s good: Jean Pierre Fleury was the first producer in Champagne
to go biodynamic back in 1992. The 1995 vintage has a firm
structure with remarkable freshness, a sparkling intensity and great
longevity. It’s simply one of the finest champagnes available and was
the gold trophy winner at the International WINE Challenge in
2008.
Cullen Mangan Margaret River 2009 (Australia)
Why it’s good: Produced on a biodynamically certified and forward-thinking
estate, this is a wine that offers immense elegance and
freshness. Matured in French oak barrels for 12 months, the unusual
single-vineyard red blend of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot has
intense mulberry and blackberry flavours and fine-grained tannins.
It’s very drinkable now but if you can wait a bit longer, it will be even
better in a couple of years.
The Millton Vineyards Te Arai Chenin Blanc 2008
(New Zealand)
Why it’s good: Pioneering, passionate and talented biodynamic producer,
James Millton makes the superb Te Arai Chenin Blanc on the
east coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Slightly dry and refreshing,
it has hints of pear, quince and honey. So good is this wine, it
features in Neil Beckett’s 1001 Wines You Must Try Before You Die:
quite a recommendation.
Gigondas ‘Terre des Aînés’ Montirius AC 2004
(France)
Why it’s good: A distinguished combination of Grenache and
Mourvedre grapes, ‘Terre des Aînés’ is rich and full-bodied with a
bright, berry tang. Unusually elegant for a Rhône heavyweight, it
has power and sophistication in spades
Stellar Fairtrade Heaven-on-Earth Sweet Muscat
(South Africa)
Why it’s good: An excellent sweet wine, which is both organic and
Fairtrade, Heaven-on-Earth represents fantastic value for money. Its
constituent Muscat D’Alexandrie grapes are partially dried on beds
of straw and local Rooibos tea, before being gently pressed and fermented.
Heaven-on-Earth is a real local speciality and an artisan
wine with a big personality and memorable flavours.
ISSUE III 59