Biodynamic wines have become more and more prominent as both restaurants and consumers become more conscious of ingredients and where they come from.
Winemaker Arnaud Hereu has been working with organically grown grapes at Odfjell Vineyard in Chile since 2006. Born and raised in Bordeaux, Hereu has helmed winemaking at Odfjell, shaping it into a leader of organic viticulture and biodynamic farming in the new world.
The classification of biodynamic wines have more to do with what you’re not using than what you are: chemicals. Wines produced by an organic vineyard showcase the terroir and ultimately represent the land more authentically than a vineyard farmed with chemicals, while simultaneously enriching the quality of life of those who work on the vineyard. Converting a non-organic farm to an organic one is an extreme challenge for winemakers because the land is incredibly dependent on those chemicals, and can be compared to weaning a junkie off drugs.
In lockstep with its commitment to organic farming is Odfjell’s promotion of Carignan, a grape varietal of Spanish origin elevated by the Norwegian family. Carignan is a difficult grape to grow, and its lack of name brand recognition internationally makes it difficult to sell, as well.
Here’s what we drank:
The 2017 Orzada is 100% Carignan, which will always be associated with the Odfjell Vineyard in Chile because it encapsulates their unique style of winemaking. The Orzada is aged in stainless steel, and priced at a mid-tiered level ($23 retail), making it exotic yet reasonable for the adventurous American wine drinker.
2017 Armador Carmanere
Spicy and refreshing and just 9% Merlot, this Carmanere is stylistically complex, but drinks well with food and is overall very approachable.
2017 Armadora Cabernet Sauvignon
This blend contains 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Tintorera, and 5% Syrah, and the roundness of the wine is reflected in the craftsmanship of Hereu’s skills.
An off the beaten path, brightly vegetal wine, this is a delight for someone unaccustomed to big, bold, South American wines.
More of a traditional Cabernet, this bottle is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and packs a heavy punch. The Orzada Cab Sauv is definitely more in line with a classic, big bodied California Cab.
2013 Aliara – 65% Carignan, 15% Malbec, 20% Syrah
The heavy hitting crown jewel of Odfjell Vineyards is the Aliara — a beautifully balanced, spectacular wine that awakens the senses and soothes the soul. The tasting notes varied among the table, but all could agree it was a sophisticated, wonderfully made wine.
