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What is biodynamic viticulture?
Biodynamic viticulture, or biodynamic for short, follows Rudolf Steiner 's anthroposophical approach and, in addition to a holistic view of the vineyard as an ecosystem, also includes a spiritual worldview. The cosmic calendar and energy flows play a role, and the focus is on strengthening the resilience of the vine and its natural environment.
Only organic plant protection products are permitted, organic fertilisation (with manure, often from own livestock) and vine row greening are obligatory.Biodiversity in the vineyard and the use of beneficial insects are of great importance. Vineyard cultivation should be carried out without machines if possible, but rather only by people or with animals.
As a special feature, in biodynamic viticulture, in addition to biological plant strengthening agents, special self-produced "homeopathic" preparations (horn silica, horn manure, herbal infusions) are used. For this, powdered quartz or cow dung is filled into cow horns, which are then buried in the soil for half a year to store the cosmic energy. Afterwards, the horn silica or horn dung is dynamised by mixing it rhythmically with water and then finely sprayed in the vineyard as a spray preparation.
Biodynamic viticulture goes further than organic viticulture and is the "strictest" form of organic viticulture. Biodynamically produced wines can be recognised by the seal of the Demeter Association, which defines the specifications for biodynamic agriculture and viticulture.