Sycamore Vineyards and Biodynamics
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The name biodynamics might be a term you recognize – or maybe not. Strictly speaking, biodynamics is an agricultural process that places first emphasis on the soil as a living organism. Possibly one of the least understood and/or controversial wine practices in present day enology, the term is derived from Dr. Rudolf Steiner’s spiritual beliefs and philosophical teachings. These beliefs stress the merits of using organic methods to maintain the health of land that is producing crops, and the practice is steadily gaining a foothold in current-day winegrowing practices throughout the world.
Join us as we hear from biodynamic consultant Philippe Armenier, and John Bryan, owner of Napa Valley’s Sycamore Vineyards, about what the process has done for this winegrower for Freemark Abbey winery.
For more info on Freemark Abbey and Sycamore: www.freemarkabbey.com
Click Here: Freemark Abbey Winery
There is plenty of evidence that organic farming techniques, using compost and manure for fertilizer, can add to the health of the soil and the quality of the plant material. However, it bears repeating that there is absolutely no good evidence that the additional esoteric practices involved in Biodynamic farming make any relevant difference. These include paying attention to the phases of the moon, to astrological forces and “cosmic energies”; burying stag’s bladders filled with yarrow, or animal skulls filled with oak bark, or preparations made from similar odds and ends. It also bears repeating that Steiner himself had no background in agriculture. These wineries have been taken in by well-spoken mystics.
Doug, I don’t know if it is smoke and mirrors or there is something real to it but I can say that I was at the vineyard and it was one of the most health looking vineyards I have ever seen - the leaves were so dark and thick they looked like leather.
Brian
Your GrapeRadio Crew
Hi Brian,
It’s not smoke and mirrors, but your experiences do not establish what the causes were of vine health in this case. Controlled and peer-reviewed investigations have found advantages to using high-quality organic fertilizers, and to avoiding certain very powerful poisons. But none of this has anything to do with the mystical stuff. When the mystical stuff is tested, there is no effect to it. The problem is that the esoterica is sold along with the more comprehensible organic program, and it would appear that most people are confused about what is actually doing the work, and what is little more than a version of New Age marketing.
Doug, one thing you mention that I have to disagree with is your disregard for the phases of the moon. How can we dismiss the fact that the moon would influence any living thing composed at least partly of water, when we know darned well how it influences our oceans and our force of gravity?
http://gonzogastro.wordpress.com
To me the moon phases are one of the strongest points I agree on the biodynamic. The moon has a major impact on the tides and I assume the water tables as well. But what do I know. I think we will have a few experts (real scientist) on the show in the future to discuss this.
Brian
Look forward to it, Brian! Ever consider trying to nab Randall Grahm for an interview!? I’m sure he’d be a wonderful addition to the panel.
The moon’s effect on the tides is due to the tidal force, which decreases as the cube of distance. The tidal force of the winemaker walking among the vines is stronger than the tidal force of the moon. The moon is bigger, but the winemaker is much closer.
There is no good evidence that moon phase has anything to do with plant development. On the other hand, there is plenty of evidence that the moon is involved in romantic stories that humans tell themselves.
Doug has it exactly right.
And Doug is who?