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Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2002 18:29:27 +1000
Subject: [compost_tea] Info for grape/wine growers
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I thought this might be of interest to the grape growers in our group. It
comes from a newsletter from http://www.organicfarms.com.au/
Scott
Rosnay Organic Wines, founded by the Statham and Gardner
families of Rosnay Organic Farms, Canowindra, entered its
first two organic wines in this, their first wine show.
The result was astounding - Rosnay Organic won Best Red of
the Show and silver and bronze medals for the 2001 Organic
Shiraz and 2002 Organic Chardonnay respectively.
So how can organic farming, dismissed by the high input,
chemical farming sector, do so well in an open class wine
judging?
The Statham family, formerly extensive wool and beef
producers at Barraba in northern NSW, never were big users
of agrochemicals. Through low input pastoral management
Richard Statham produced some of the finest wool in the
district, claiming many Barraba Show prizes.
"My medico father had an interest in organic gardening and
biodynamics, which my son Sam continued to explore in
Europe and New Zealand", said Rosnay founder, Richard
Statham
"Looking to move into a new industry, we found that organic
and biodynamic grape growers were in fact producing some
very good wine. For example, in 1997 Settlers Ridge (WA's
Margaret River) won a silver medal at the prestigious Perth
Royal Show with its very first Shiraz-Cabernet vintage.
Cassegrain Wines at Port Macquarie, Botobolar Wines at
Mudgee, Temple Bruer Wines at Langhorne Creek, Millton
Estate in New Zealand, and M. Chapoutier in France all
helped inspire us to try organic and biodynamic systems."
said Richard.
The Statham family planted their first vines at "Rosnay",
Canowindra in 1997, using organic methods from the outset
and attaining certification as conversion to organic within
their first year. Five years later, the work is paying off,
with the resulting wines well balanced and flavoursome.
"After site and variety selection, we see biological
activity in the soil as the key to unlocking the unique
flavours of a vineyard. Soil life is developed through
correct mineral balance, and generous application of
organic matter, such as composted manures and straw. Plant
health is assisted with organic fish and seaweed sprays,
and natural sulfur to prevent powdery mildew", Richard
explained
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