As Earth Day approaches it’s time for us to recognize the importance of the earth and what it gives us every day. Growing up, I didn’t think of anything about my surroundings and the impact we have on it, but I did know, not to swim in the Hudson because of the PCBs. I didn’t fully understand the effects of pollution of all kinds until I was an adult.
Fast forward to last year when the pandemic hit. All of a sudden there wasn’t as much traffic and the air quality improved, the sky bluer and you could hear nature more clearly.
Now let’s think about our soil. Each layer of soil contributes nutrients to the grass, flowers and vegetables you grow. It is reflected in what you eat and the beauty of the landscape you look at each day. It is so important to watch what we put into our earth.
Growing grapes is hard and growing organic grapes even harder but many wineries are opting for organic methods. It is better for the environment and we have to take care of the environment, just like we care for our children.
In celebration of Earth Day, I am celebrating with Veramonte and applaud them for what they are doing to save the environment. Veramonte is located in the Casablanca Valley of Chile. They follow organic and biodynamic practices to ensure the best conditions for their vines to develop. The vines truly reflect the soil they are grown in.
What are some of the characteristics of an organic vineyard? Well, the soil is healthy. Many times the animals and insects that occupied the soil before humans began messing with it return. As the vine develops it is aided by all the natural agents of the environment.
Veramonte banned the use of pesticides to protect and care for the ecosystem. By eliminating the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides the earth is more nourished, the soil regenerates itself, its healthy and reflects the true terroir in the grapes and wine. They incorporated the use of animals in the vineyard. They fertilize the land, mow the grass and aerate the soil with their hooves as they walk through the vineyard.
Veramonte Organic Sauvignon Blanc 2020 SRP $11.99 – This wine says summer in your glass all the way. Light straw in color with aromas of lime zest and white citrus lead to a palate of juicy grapefruit and white peach
Veramonte Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 $11.99 – This Cabernet spent 8 months in neutral oak. The wine really expresses the terroir it’s grown in. Slight balsamic notes on the nose with red and black fruit and a hint of vanilla. On the palate the wine was smooth with mouth-watering tannins, a mix of red and black fruit and a touch of herbs.
Thank you to Donna White Communications and Gonzalez Byass for providing me with samples of this wine.
