We have all heard the terms table, dessert and sparkling wines in reference to different wines before. Some of us understand the differences between each but others just let these ‘jargons’ fly over our heads. The differences between each will be explained. Each is term refers to different types of wine. Table wines are usually referred to as light wines because they contain a lower amount of alcohol than others. They must contain no greater than 14% of alcohol by law in the United States of America and Europe. So if you are particular about the amount of alcohol you are consuming and believe less is more then you have been consciously or unconsciously drinking table wines. Wines in time long past used to contain at most 14% alcohol. Due to the different climates in which grapes are grown now, they have different levels of sugar and hence will end up having lower or higher levels of alcohol after the fermentation process. They are also non-bubbly. So by law if a wine contains 14% or less alcohol and is not bubbly then it is a table wine. Wines that contain more than 14% alcohol are dessert wines. The reason for this can be that the grapes used have a very high concentration of sugar in them or alcohol is added during or after fermentation. The latter reason has become very popular within certain regions. These wines are sweet and dark and are usually consumed after dinner with dessert. Hence the term ‘dessert wine’ was given to them in the U.S. In Europe they are called ‘liqueur wines’. Sparkling wines are given their name because they contain bubbles and appear to sparkle. Bubbles form within the grape juice when carbon dioxide is released during fermentation. The bubbles are then trapped within the juice while this is happening so the end result is sparkling wine. The most famous sparkling wine is champagne. Champagne was first produced in a region in France called Champagne. However, now all or most regions in the world create their own champagnes. The universal official term for wines with bubbles or champagnes is sparkling wines.
If you’ve made the commitment to adopt a completely organic lifestyle, you may have resigned yourself to a life without happy hour drinks. You don’t have to! Many great organic wine and organic beer choices await you on your favorite organic restaurant’s drink menu. Look for these excellent organic vintages and brews to pair up with your next organic meal.
Notable Organic Wine Vintners
Perlage
Perlage, one of the old wineries in Northern Italy, converted to organic growing practices in 1985. Grape varieties include Prosecco, Merlot, Cabernet, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay, among others. Perlage is most well known for its sparkling wines, which appear on organic wine menus everywhere. Of particular interest are the Perlage Proseccos, sparkling white wines that have a nice, peachy taste. Its Pinot Grigio and Sangiovese consistently also receive good reviews year after year.
Badger Mountain
Grown in the Columbia Valley, Washington premier growing region, Badger Mountain emphasizes its commitment to organic farming and production methods as a way to protect the environment and provide a completely natural wine for organic wine drinkers everywhere. Wine varietals include Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvingnon, and Merlot, as well as some white and red table blends. Badger Mountain’s Chardonnay and Riesling both receive good reviews, with the 2008 Chardonnay rating especially high.
Bodega J. & F. Lurton
This Andes winery located in Piedra Negra, Mendoza is known for its outstanding Malbec. The grapes thrive in the Uco Valley, 3,000 feet above sea level, producing an especially rich flavor that is featured worldwide in organic restaurants. The 2002 was a particularly good year, followed by a very strong 2003 vintage.
Good Organic Beer Breweries
Otter Creek Brewing
Otter Creek Brewing began as a microbrewery in 1991. It introduced the Wolaver’s Certified Organic beer series in 1998, and the organic beer continues to be popular today. Wolaver’s ale varieties include pale, india pale, brown, oatmeal stout, and wit bier. There is also a seasonal pumpkin version that gets good reviews.
Pinkus Organic
Located in Munster, Germany, the Pinkus Organic brewing family is currently in its sixth generation. It has the special distinction of being the world’s first brewery to produce 100% organic beer. It is also USDA-certified organic. Offerings include Ur Pils, Jubilate, Munster Alt and Hefe-Weizen. The Ur Pils is especially popular, earning 4 or greater on most 5 point reviews.
Happy hour can be happy again for organic diners! The next time you’re in the mood for a drink with your dinner, ask for the organic wine list at your favorite organic restaurant. You’re sure to find something to please.
Vladmir Grinberg has been involved in the natural food industry since 2001. He has made it his mission to promote healthy food choices by educating readers about the benefits of natural and organic foods. To help make healthy food more convenient for busy people, Mr. Grinberg also started OrganicDirect, an organic food delivery service for the New York Metro area.