Organic Wines

Organically produced wines and other alcoholic beverages are widely available in Finland, from numerous countries of origin. They are made from organically grown raw materials, such as wines from organic grapes. Organic wine production is regulated and monitored by the EU, and the regulation also governs wine production and handling. The use of synthetic additives and processing aids is prohibited in winemaking and in the vineyards. Genetically modified (GMO) materials are also not permitted. However, genetically modified ingredients can often come into play in conventional winemaking, for example in the choice of GMO yeast.

Sulfite Limits in Organic Wines

In organic winemaking, the soil is seen as a diverse system = ecosystem thinking. Organic wine estates use compost and green manure for fertilization, pest control, and soil cultivation. Rich biodiversity supports beneficial insects, birds, and other animals that feed on insects harmful to viticulture. Sulfur dioxide and sulfites are permitted natural substances for wine preservation and may be added in limited amounts at various stages of the winemaking process. Wine grapes always naturally contain small amounts of sulfites. Only the necessary amount is added to ensure preservation. The final wine's sulfite content varies greatly depending on harvest conditions, production area, grape variety used, and especially the wine's sweetness level. Organic wine production has set slightly lower limits for wine sulfite content than conventional wine production.

Identifying Organic Wine

Organic wine is usually identified by the EU organic leaf logo on the bottle/package, which is always accompanied by a country-specific organic certification number. Other national labels may also appear in addition. The EU leaf logo guarantees that the product's organic status has been verified and is found in the appropriate registers both in the country of origin and in Finland. The label cannot be obtained unless the product is made from at least 95% organic agricultural raw materials.