The organic trend is official...and growing fast

The growing interest in wines made from organic grapes shows no signs of abating any time soon. Consumers are forcing this niche category's expansion into mainstream territory and savvy winemakers and marketers are paying close attention.

In addition to being listed in Tom Wark's Top Ten Wine Stories for 2008, organic wine has been getting plenty of press lately.

I got this update from Charles Communications today.
"This November our own Kimberly Charles was invited to speak on the top trends in dining, design and drinks for 2009 at the San Francisco Trends Think Tank. In case you missed this event, we wanted to be sure you had access to this great resource. Some of the top trends to watch for in beverages next year include "old is new again" and being green (as in eco-friendly AND budget-friendly). Here are some highlights:

• Going Green "Organic, Biodynamic, Fair Trade and Sustainable offerings are continuing their upswing. It’s becoming more of a standard than a specialty..." "

And this from Capico International.

"In October 2008, the National Restaurant Association surveyed 1,609 American Culinary Federation member chefs, asking them to rate 208 individual food/beverage items, preparation methods and culinary themes as a "hot trend," "yesterday's news," or "perennial favorite" on restaurant menus in 2009.
Various types of alcohol will also heat up restaurant menus next year, both as a cooking ingredient and on the drink menu. Micro-distilled liquor, culinary cocktails (created to complement specific foods and dishes, savory drinks, etc.) and organic wine top the list of trendy alcohol. Among non-alcohol beverages, specialty iced tea, organic coffee and flavored/enhanced water will be the top trends."

After the new year, I will be running feature posts on the wizards behind the curtains, the winemakers and importers who specialize in wines made from organic and biodynamic grapes.

But here's a great wine made from organic grapes for right now.
Jo Landron Muscadet Sevre et Maine Fief du Breil
$15
Refreshing white with cleansing minerality. Big, lush mouthfeel for a Muscadet, with some definite honey and lush melon flavors in the middle, closing with crisp citrus notes.