Chateau de Roquefort - Wine, Oh!

I've recently fallen all over the new Biodynamics wine making process. As a devout astrologer and planetary energy believer, I'm gaga about the way this new age system takes into account all of the organic elements - not just the grapevine - along with moon phases and planetary cycles. Whether or not you think this is poppycock, I assure you it produces damn fine wine. So why question the process?



Take Chateau de Roquefort - proprietor Raimond de Villeneuve took over this landmark Southern France house in 1995, restoring his family's name and, in the process, converting to the biodynamics method. Biodynamics believers monitor the health of all living elements in the grape growing process - the grapevines, the soil, and any/all related flora and fauna. Each organism is considered in its individual state, and as a part of the master whole. In addition, the notion that farming can be rhythmically matched to the energetic ebb and flow of the cosmos is also added to the mix. Some see this in an astrologically sense, some in a more spiritual manner. Either way, this does produce one undeniably beneficial effect - growers become incredibly attuned to all aspects of their crops. As a result, the flavors formed are so intertwined with the region and the soil, it's what makes so many prominent growers faithful to the process.

One of my favorites from this method is the 2005 Chateau de Roquefort Corail Rose tes de Provence - a strawberry burst of sweetness with just the right amount of underlying acidity. The gorgeous rose color is intoxicating in it's own right, and at just $14 a bottle, it's a bargain as well.

Regardless of whether or not you're behind the methodology, I dare you to give biodynamic wines a shot. My theory is that if the moon can source the dramatic movement of our oceans, it stands to reason that these energies would affect human beings, and, yes, even grapevines.