If in recent years rosé wine has enjoyed growing success, it is now towards organic wine that consumers are turning. Thus, organic rosé wines are becoming more democratic and are finding their place in a rapidly expanding market. Let's take a look at the organic rosé wine phenomenon in France and around the world, and the reasons for this craze.
ORGANIC WINE, WHAT EXACTLY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?
Before looking at the figures and the reasons why wine lovers choose to drink organic wine, it is important to remember what exactly an organic wine is. Until 2012, organic certification was simply about the grapes, which had to be organically grown, but today it also takes into account the winemaking method.
Thus, an organic wine is necessarily obtained from a more environmentally friendly winemaking technique. Less sulphites, no malic acid, or the choice of organic additives are among the criteria to be met in a complex set of specifications.
THE ORGANIC WINE MARKET: A METEORIC RISE
Studies by the British IWSR institute confirm that organic wine has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years. While wine consumption in France is generally on the decline, organic wine consumption is clearly on the rise. The ISWR institute states that the sale of organic wine has doubled between 2013 and 2021, and the French may have overtaken the Germans in terms of consumption.
However, it should be noted that the organic market share in the wine sector remains low, at only 3.7% of the total market in 2017.
The organic market in figures
In France, the success of organic wine can be seen in some fairly significant figures:
- From 2017 to 2018, the area under organic cultivation increased by 20%, with a total of 94,000 hectares of organic or in-conversion vineyard area;
- The turnover of organic wine in France reached 1 billion euros in 2018;
- 2.21 million hectolitres of organic wine were produced (of which 57% for French consumption, and 43% for export).
This growth is still increasing, and promises ever higher figures in the years to come.
Organic wine: unlimited growth
The success of organic wine does not stop at the French borders, and the global consumption of organic wine is also increasing in Europe, and around the world. France exported 43% of its organic wine production in 2018, but other countries also produce organic wine. The world's top 3 organic wine producers are Spain, Italy, and France, and 83% of organic vineyards are in Europe. For the period 2017 to 2022, the growth rate is estimated at 9.2%.
THE ORGANIC ROSE WINE MARKET: JUST A FAD?
Some may think that the success of organic rosé wine is simply a trend. A fashion effect on both rosé (a very popular wine in recent years), and on organic wine.
However, many believe that organic wine is part of a changing consumer trend that is set to continue. This is not only true for rosé wine, but also for organic red and white wine, all of which are experiencing strong growth.
Thus, organic rosé wine, by combining quality and respect for the environment, is increasing in volume, but also in value. Organic rosé wines are 33% more expensive on average than non-organic rosé wines. This can be explained, among other things, by its quality, but also and above all by the technical constraints of organic wine production.
Producing an organic rosé wine is not easy, as it is difficult to obtain and preserve a pink colour without sulphite. Complex techniques must be used to avoid oxidation and to guarantee the structure of the wine.
WHY IS ORGANIC ROSE WINE SO ATTRACTIVE?
In view of the growing numbers in recent years, one might well ask what drives winegrowers to produce organic rosé wine. Five arguments are unanimously accepted by the producers.
- The environment: it is obvious that the major interest of organic wine production is to preserve nature, and to offer a wine as "natural" as possible while respecting the terroir;
- Health: the so-called "classic" production of rosé wine uses products that are harmful to human beings, but also to animals. Whether we eat them, touch them or breathe them, these elements (pesticides, herbicides, GMOs and chemical fertilisers) jeopardise the health of everyone;
- Success with the consumer: let's not lie, producing a "trendy" wine is one of the arguments for a producer. Beyond the ecological commitment, it is also the possibility of seducing a large public, based on healthy values of which one does not have to be ashamed, on the contrary;
- Better profitability: contrary to what one might think, organic wine production, if done properly, is more profitable than non-organic wine production. Indeed, organic treatments are much cheaper and less numerous than chemical treatments, even if they take more time;
- Quality wine: Finally, the most obvious argument seems to be the quality of organic wine. By producing under impeccable hygienic conditions, with healthy and environmentally friendly treatments, the organic winemaker can legitimately boast of offering a quality wine, perfectly in keeping with the terroir.
Organic rose wine never ceases to amaze and seduce. A true guarantee of a product that respects the environment and the consumer, organic rosé wine has not finished making a name for itself. With Chateau de Berne, discover the most beautiful collection of organic rose wines from Provence.
