The practice of biodynamics is one that causes much debate
throughout the industry. While many embrace the results
that organic (and biodynamic) viticulture can nurture,
there are certainly plenty who are sceptical about the
affects of lunar cycles on how wines physically taste on
individual days of the month.
But for those who are interested, it's not just the 30th
anniversary that's special about the dates of this year's Fair, but
for the first time in over a decade, the show falls on the
near perfect combination of tasting days in the biodynamic
calendar; flower, leaf, and fruit respectively.
Features such as the Top 100 will incorporate a biodynamic
tasting booklet, allowing visitors the opportunity to compare their
tasting notes across the three biodynamic days. Key biodynamic
exhibitors will also be organising on-stand activity to highlight
the influence of the calendar.
So, is it a factor or a fantasy? We leave it entirely up to
you to judge!
What does biodynamic mean?
The biodynamic movement was established by Rudolf Steiner in the
1930s. It centres around an approach encompassing key elements of
organic viticulture, with practices dictated by lunar cycles.
A growing number of producers have embraced biodynamic
viticulture, but some claim that the influence of biodynamics
extends further than just the vineyard, and any given day
in the lunar cycle can affect the taster's experience.
Each calendar day falls into one of the following
categories, according to the position of the moon:
FLOWER DAYS: Also a good day for tasting
Tuesday 18th May is a flower
day
Particularly good for aromatic wines,
which display lifted perfume.
Wines taste full, ripe, and concentrated.
LEAF DAYS: An average day for tasting
Wednesday 19th May is a leaf day
Wines can taste a little under-ripe,
and with emphasised acidity.
FRUIT DAYS: Arguably the best day for tasting
Thursday 20th May is a fruit day
Wines are displaying maximum fruit qualities,
arguably the best day for tasting - wines will
taste full, ripe, and concentrated.
ROOT DAYS: Not ideal for tasting
LIWF 2010 dates avoid root days
Tannins can tend to have an earthy,
astringent quality.
