Wine
Drinking responsibly takes on a whole new meaning when you consider the environmental impact of wines, beers, and spirits.
The alcohol industry has done a good job of handling product packaging—standard beer bottles can be reused 12 to 15 times. The Beer Store will take back any type of wine, spirit, beer, or cooler packaging. In 2008, the Store recovered over 2.1 billion containers, and typically has a bottle recovery rate of over 95 per cent. If you don’t want to take your bottles back, purchase alcohol in clear glass bottles, since it’s easier to recycle than coloured glass.
Buying boxed wine only reduces your footprint if you recycle the container: TetraPaks are lighter, requiring less fuel to ship, but Ecoholic’s Adria Vasil reports that only 14 per cent of these cartons were recycled in 2006 in Ontario. Another way to reduce your impact is to buy your “cold ones” warm, since product refrigeration can be one of the biggest contributors to a beer’s carbon footprint.
Organic alcohols are becoming more popular. Organic refers to the method of growing the ingredients within the alcohol—without the use of pesticides. Organic wines, beers, and spirits contain no added preservatives, which can mean less severe hangovers the morning after. However, that doesn’t mean that organic wines don’t contain sulfites, which occur naturally in all wines (more in dessert and white wines). Some eco-friendly wines contain organically-grown grapes, but are not wholly organic since they do contain added preservatives. A sulfite-free wine would quickly turn to vinegar.
Another environmentally friendly production method is biodynamic winemaking, which promotes biodiversity and biological activity in the soil. All wines labelled as biodynamic must meet the Demeter Association’s standards. Critics of biodynamic agriculture say that farming organically produces virtually the same quality as practicing biodynamics.
Domaine Magellan 2008 Syrah, Grenache, Carignane
Sep 2011
The carignan grapes in this variety come from vines that are up to 60 years old, giving the grapes a mature and unique flavour. Older vines often have an advantage over younger vines because their deep root systems make them more tolerant to changes in rain and yield a more predictable finished grape. This wine More >
Southbrook Vineyards 2010 Connect White
Sep 2011
This wine is organic and is made of a blend of biodynamic and organic wines. The Connect line of wines considers itself down to earth and does it’s part to limit its impact on the earth as well. Connect bottles are sourced locally and are made from glass that is recycled in the Ontario Bag-it-back More >
Domaine Magellan 2010 Organic Merlot
Sep 2011
Made in 2010, the first year that Domaine Magellan was officially certified organic, this wine is made from vines that are up to 30 years old.
Southbrook Vineyards 2009 Triomphe Chardonnay
Sep 2011
One of the wines from Southbrook’s first season with biodynamic certification, this wine is certified both organic and biodynamic. Southbrook has also taken strides to create an environmentally sensitive public space and opened their LEED Gold certified hospitality space in 2008.
Sterling Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Jul 2010
This Californian wine contains both sulfites and organically-grown grapes. However, the vinter does not appear to go above and beyond with its environmental management practices. This wine is available at LCBO Vintages and via online ordering. Tasting Notes: All the classic features of California Cabernet Sauvignon combine with an earthiness that adds a note of More >
Parducci
Jul 2010
All of Parducci’s vineyards are certified organic, and the winery is the U.S.’s first to be declared carbon neutral. Sustainable farming practices include composting, using 100% green energy, and encouraging natural pest predators instead of using pesticides. The winery also uses biodiesel to power winery equipment such as vineyard tractors and water pumps. Parducci’s labels More >
