California champagne goes organic
Sonoma Valley's Korbel introduces its first champagne made with 100 percent organic grapes.
Tue, Sep 29 2009 at 10:00 AM EST
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Photo: DaMayor/Flickr Korbel Chapagne Cellars from Sonoma Valley in California has introduced the first California Brut Champagne made entirely with organically grown grapes, according to a press release issued today. It will be available to consumers beginning next month with a suggested retail price of $15.99 a bottle.
The winery, which has incorporated other sustainable methods over the years such as land conservation, recycling and reclaiming of materials, received its organic processor certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in 2007.
The grapes used to make the new Korbel California Brut Champagne have been produced according to the USDA organic certification requirements as the fruit is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. Like all Korbel California champagnes, the new Korbel Brut with organically grown grapes is made according to the traditional methode champenoise technique where secondary fermentation takes place inside the bottle which results in perfect pinpoint bubbles.
Don’t go looking for the USDA Organic seal on the bottles, however. Made with 100 percent organic grapes doesn’t necessarily mean the champagne meets USDA organic standards. If there are other ingredients in the champagne that don’t meet the guidelines, they won’t have the label.
Because of new, somewhat confusing, wine labeling guidelines, the bottles will most likely contain words that are similar to “Ingredients: Organic Grapes.” The guidelines don’t allow the bottle to say “100% organic” grapes because consumers might confuse that statement with a USDA endorsement.
Just because the champagne might not have the USDA Organic seal does not mean it’s not a fine choice as far as organics go. I haven’t had the opportunity to sample the champagne yet, but once I do I’ll let you know if I think it’s a fine choice as far as champagnes go, too.
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Comments
Paul Davis
10/03/2009 09:24 AM
Hello,
In 2000 our company introduced Juniper Green Organic London Dry Gin and UK5 Organic Vodka into the United State Market. As the organic world grew so did our line of Organic Spirits as we have added Highland Harvest Organic Scotch Whisky and Papagayo Organic White and Spiced Rums. Although buisness is still small there is growth in this new category and I am sure it will continue to show positive signs.
Having a major company such as Korbel enter the Organic World is indeed a.... More
Winepro911
10/03/2009 08:55 AM
It is disgraceful for this brand to ignore the fact that Champagne is a protected appellation in France. Korbel produces SPARKLING WINES, and at the bottom of the price point barrel. Until they get accuracy in their message to the marketplace, they look ridicilous to the wine world and to consumers.
Wilf G. Krutzmann
10/02/2009 15:07 PM
Previous comments said it all. At one of President Obama's inaugural lunches Korbel "Champagne" was served. Not a very diplomatic way to start your presidency when the world's eyes are upon you.
Terry Hall
10/02/2009 12:00 PM
Bravo to all the posters who realize that Champagne is an appellation in France and not what Korbel is making or selling. If they go to all the effort to enter the organic market, they should do the right thing and re-brand their prouduct as "sparkling wine" to clearly define what's in the bottle. Consumers know the difference and Korbel should be honest in what it is selling.
Everyone can join the discussion on wine place name protection at .... More
Anonymous
10/02/2009 11:13 AM
Champagne is an "Appellation", same way Burgundy or Bordeaux is. Call it Champagne if it's made in Champagne, otherwise it's sparkling wine. It's that simple.
Martin
10/02/2009 10:55 AM
Jeriko Estate winery in Hopland, California has been producing organic Sparkling Wine since 2001... Check them facts! Also, Champagne can only be made in Champagne, France - grandfather clause or not!.
Cheers!
Anonymous
10/02/2009 09:34 AM
Enter your comments here
Why on earth do they still insist on calling it Champagne?
It's as if I referred to my Mini Cooper as a Rolls Royce,and wasn't joking..
Methode champenoise? -ok..Champagne?. No.If I were a real Champagne producer I would be livid....
Also,the last phrase of the 'article' reveals less than informative verbiage.
Anonymous
10/02/2009 10:58 AM
Why do people get so sideways over the label on a bottle??? THe bottom line is simple, it's sparkling wine made in the traditional method. Call it Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Bubbly, whatever....if it appeals to your taste, who cares????
cellarman81
10/02/2009 16:51 PM
Who cares???? Well, first the army of attorneys working for the Champagne Union Appellation does. It is actually surprising that Korbel is still allowed to use that method of advertising when even Domaine Chandon (owned by the same owner as the famous Maison de Champagne Moet et Chandon) cannot... it's as if Canadians were called Americans and vice-versa, just because the continent is the same...
