San Francisco Bay Area Wine-MMI Tasting with DSWE at William Cross Wine Merchants

MMI: MOON & MINIMAL INTERVENTION

For DSWE, this term encompasses wine producers that go beyond organics and practice grape growing and wine making that is also known as biodynamic viticulture. However, MMI producers do not need to be certified as biodynamic. These producers do in fact take many of the guiding principles and practices of biodynamics. Some of them are part of organized certification groups of biodynamic producers, such as Reniassance des Terroirs or Demeter, while others are not involved in an organization on any level, yet are dedicated in their own practical or philosophical way.

Biodynamic viticulture goes beyond organic viticulture to create an ecosystem which is as self-sustaining as possible. The goal is to create an environment – a habitat – that enables all the life forms on the farm to work together to maximize life and productivity of the vines. The root system is the strength of the vine and the fruit is the beautiful result. Producers also rely on the influences of the moon and stars, the pressure in the atmosphere and the energy and life forces that exists in their environment. These influences affect not only when grapes are picked, but also how wine is handled – or for that matter minimally handled - in the cellar. Yet, we must always ask questions and learn about each individual producer as to their personal practices. There may be a laundry list of techniques that one could follow to be organic or biodynamic, but that only gets you so far. We must taste the results of the work in the field and the cellar to understand how these practices obtain the ultimate expression in the wine.

DSWE's Jeffrey Meisel will be hosting a special tasting of Moon & Minimal Intervention produced wines featuring wines from Alphonse Mellot, Corte Sant'Alda, COS, Les Crêtes, and Movia.

DSWE (Domaine Select Wine Estates) is the U.S. representative of a group of exceptional wineries and specialized distilleries throughout Argentina, Australia, Austria, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Slovenia, Spain and the United States. Paolo and Allison Domeneghetti founded DSWE in 1999 with a dedication to wines and handcrafted spirits from around the world of the highest quality which express and tremendous character, particular to their origin. For this reason, each bottle in the portfolio represents in a very clear and unique way: Diversity, Character, Expression and Tradition.

For the last two years Meisel served as Director of Education for DSWE. He has traveled to all of these producers and has witnessed and discussed biodynamic practices with the owners and winemakers. He is here to share the stories and the great wines.