Artisan Wines tunes into biodynamics

Artisan Wines is expanding its individual collection of pace-setting French wines by supplying a selection of biodynamic wines.

Biodynamic wines are produced through an understanding of nature and its cycles. Grapes are grown in accordance with the lunar cycle and the alignment of the planets in 100 per cent organic soil, utilising the rhythms of nature to produce a truly natural and revolutionary style of making wine.

Biodynamic theory was devised in the 1900’s. Not a new idea then, but in the increasingly industrialised 21st century its benefits are being recognised by quality orientated growers and consumers alike.

The recent 2006 London International Wine & Spirits Fair featured a biodynamic showcase, with more than sixty per cent of the world’s top biodynamic wine growers displaying their produce. It is a clear sign that the innovative and unique process of biodynamics is reaching the most sophisticated pallets. The practice of winegrowing the biodynamic way is increasing all over the world – up from 25 in 2001, to 120 winegrowers in 2006 and embraces internationally renowned producers such as Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and Chapoutier.

Andrew Kerr of Artisan Wines, shares this passion with leaders in the biodynamic wine business and stocks 15 biodynamic wines from a small range of dedicated producers.

Andrew said:

“I am passionate about biodynamic wine, in a year when Bordeaux wines are making all the headlines, you really ought to be thinking about biodynamic wines. Bio wines are hard to find, hidden gems of unequalled quality and spectacular taste.”

Artisan Wines believes that biodynamics produces natural, more expressive wines. Using biodynamics methods helps vines to absorb the climate and soil of a particular area better. So, as wine increasingly becomes a mass produced commodity, it is a revelation to taste biodynamic wines which fully reflect their locality and to experience the individual character which makes them truly distinctive.

Andrew started up Artisan Wines near Chester in May 2005. He has managed to cajole, coax and in some cases literally wrestle cherished wines from the clutches of their French producers and bring them back to the UK. The handcrafted wines supplied by Artisan are made by small, passionate producers. These wines normally stay in France and are often to be found in many of France’s best restaurants.

The perfect way to introduce yourself to the flavour of Biodynamic produce is with a sample Bio Box available exclusively through www.artisanwines.co.uk

The price of the Bio box incorporating 12 bottles from four different producers is £95 (excluding £5 delivery), a saving of over £16 on normal list prices.

Ends – 443 words

Background

Biodynamics was first detailed in a series of agriculture lectures given by Rudolf Steiner in 1924 and is internationally recognised as a leading organic method across all agricultural systems. The biodynamic method involves the use of specially developed homeopathic preparations that assist in connecting the whole farm unit with the dynamic rhythms of the earth and atmosphere. Instead of just acting on the physical, biodynamics goes one step further in both working with the living soil and the invisible energies of nature.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: “Many grape growers claim to have tried biodynamic methods and found immediate improvements in the health of their vineyards, specifically speaking in the areas of biodiversity, soil fertility, crop nutrition, and pest, weed, and disease management. Winemakers claim to have noted stronger, clearer, more vibrant tastes, as well as wines that remain drinkable longer. There is an upsurge of interest among grape growers worldwide and in the media, with a number of very high-end, high-profile commercial growers also converting to biodynamic practices.”

The special Artisan Bio box case contains six different wines from four biodynamic producers.

RED Domaine Montirius, Cotes du Rhone – 2004 (Rhone) – Three bottles Domaine Viret, Renaissance Cotes du Rhone Villages 2001 – (Rhone) – Two bottles Domaine Montirius, Vacqueyras Clos Montirius 2002 (Rhone) – Two bottles

WHITE Domaine de l’Ecu – Muscadet 2004 (Loire) – Three bottles Domaine Viret, La Coudee d’Or Cotes du Rhone (Rhone) – One bottle La Ferme de la Sansonniere, La Lune 2003 (Loire) – One bottle

Artisan Wines Ltd. was set up in May 2005 to enable wine drinkers in the UK to drink quality French wines that the French like to keep for themselves. Artisan offers authentic and individual wines which are selected directly from the wine producers and available at great prices because of this. They can be ordered online at www.artisanwines.co.uk or are occasionally available at special events.

In addition to Biodynamic growers, Artisan Wines also stocks wines from leading small producers who are difficult to find in the UK, including: · Clos Rougeard, recently voted top Loire red wine producer in France · Henry Marionnet (Loire), whose wine was rated as one of the 10 most innovative and interesting by a panel of leading wine critics at last year’s Vinexpo · Domaine Alary, a regular top performer from the Southern Cotes du Rhone.

The web site offers a comprehensive and prestigious selection of wines which are very keenly priced. There are also mixed case selections with special discounts, plus first-come, first served offers of hard to get wines.

Each wine order can be tracked until it is delivered to the door. Wines come with comprehensive tasting notes and friends and relatives can order for you from your ‘wish list’ of wines, a great idea for birthdays or special occasions.

Anyone visiting the web site for the first time can request the newsletter to pour over!

So much to choose!

Contacts:

Jane Harrad-Roberts Consultant Director, Marketing Projects Email: jane@marketingprojects.co.uk Mobile: +44 7785 395705 Tel: +44 1244 330000 Press hotline: +44 1244 330101

Andrew Kerr Owner, Artisan Wines Email: andrew@artisanwines.co.uk Tel: 01244 851557

 

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