Glossary

Organic Viticulture

Farming without synthetic inputs — the baseline for serious wine

Bretton JamesApril 4, 2026
biodynamicfarmingnatural wineviticulture

What It Means

Organic viticulture prohibits the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. Permitted treatments include copper and sulfur sprays (for fungal disease management), herbal infusions, and approved natural preparations.

EU Certification

In the EU, organic wine certification (under EU Regulation 203/2012) covers both vineyard and cellar practices. It permits limited sulfur additions but prohibits a range of conventional additives. AB (Agriculture Biologique) is the French label; Bio is commonly used in Germany and Austria.

The Limitation

Organic certification addresses inputs but not philosophy. A certified organic producer may still use commercial yeasts, acid additions, heavy filtration, and large doses of permitted sulfur. Organic is the floor we expect, not the ceiling we celebrate.

In Our Portfolio

Champagne Ponson holds certified organic status across all 13 hectares — a commitment Maxime completed in the year his father died, as both a professional milestone and a personal tribute. It is among the most quietly meaningful acts of stewardship in our portfolio.