De Bortoli releases first organic wine

Australian producer De Bortoli has released their 2020 Organic Shiraz Field Blend, meeting the Australian Certified Organic Standards.

Made from grapes from the Hemley vineyard in Riverina, New South Wales, the Shiraz marks the first foray into organic viticulture for the almost 100 year old old company. Organic certification means the absence of artificial fertilisers, insecticides and herbicides in the vineyard, and the continuation of environmentally friendly practices in the winery. Any winemaking practices, including the addition of Sulphur dioxide, are rigorously policed.

Furthermore, the 14.5% ABV wine is also packaged in recycled bottles which are lightweight to reduce carbon emissions. Measures such as these are why De Bortoli’s Bilbul winery and vineyard have been awarded Sustainable Winegrowing Australia certification.

North South Wines will be distributing the Organic Shiraz in the UK. Founder and Managing Director Kim Wilson said that “De Bortoli’s sustainability journey has been a long one. They’ve shown commitment to doing things a better way for nearly 20 years, long before many other businesses were thinking that way. This latest release is a very fitting milestone for the winery”.

De Bortoli’s organic journey is accelerating. As of 2020, 6.2% of the winery’s Riverina vineyards were organic, with a goal to reach 10% by 2025. With a decade of consecutive growth, the UK market for organic produce is also on a seemingly unstoppable rise. The Soil Association Organic Market Report notes a 5.2% growth in the UK organic market last year, with the British shoppers spending £60m a week on organic products. Wine, beer and spirits form the fastest growing category, currently accounting for about 5% of the total spend.

The Shiraz will be priced at £10.49. Further information is available on the De Bortoli website.