To produce biodynamic wines, a careful and a lunar calendar-based process is followed in which all the materials and techniques used must preserve the harmony of the farm and must adhere to The Demeter Biodynamic Certification Standard- the rules of vineyard planting and wine making.
One of the most emphasized and meticulously prepared materials is the spray used for the grape and for the compost in which it is to be planted.
Here are the nine ingredients and their composition:
1. Horn-manure- A mixture of cow horn and cow manure.
2. Crushed powdered quartz stuffed into a cow-horn- Quartz is a brittle mineral commonly used in making jewelries and carvings.
3. Yarrow blossoms stuffed into urinary bladders of Red Deer- Yarrow blossoms are well-known for its effectively of stopping blood flow from wounds. The Red deer is the fourth largest species of the deer family.
4. Chamomile blossoms stuffed into small intestines of cattle- A daisy-like plant known for its healing properties and soothing effect specially if made into tea. It helps in sleeping and reducing stress.
5. Stinging nettle surrounded by peat- A stinging nettle, as it name suggests, is a medicinal plant that has stinging hairs which can trigger burning and stinging sensation upon contact with the skin. A peat is a decayed vegetation matter.
6. Oak bark chopped in small pieces, placed inside the skull of an animal, surrounded by peat and buried in earth-
7. Dandelion flowers stuffed into the peritoneum of cattle- Dandelions are edible plants that have the ability to break hard soil and release chemical to aid fruits in ripening. The peritoneum is a membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity
8. Valerian flowers extracted into water- valerian is a flowering plant that is both a sedative and a perfume-ingredient.
9. Horsetail- is a vascular plant that can be eaten through careful preparation and is used as a dye, a tea and a thickening powder.
All of these require specific mixing and procedures to adhere to the high standards of biodynamic wine making. You can be assured then that the wine you are drinking comes from a source who gives attention to details and who settles on nothing but almost perfection.