The Organic Viticulture

What does organic viticulture mean?

Organic viticulture implies that only substances of natural origin , or obtainable through simple processes , are used to protect and nourish the plants. Organic viticulture therefore involves the complete elimination of pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers , instead favoring the use of natural practices to maintain the health of vines and soil . This includes the use of compost, crop rotation, and the introduction of beneficial insects to control pests.

The goal is to create a balanced ecosystem that supports biodiversity and plant resilience . In short, it doesn't simply mean following specific, strict rules and rigid European specifications to obtain certification (though that's important!). Nor is it a "marketing choice" or "being trendy!" Rather, it means embracing a certain mindset and a modus operandi that respect the natural cycles and growth patterns of the vine, using natural remedies and practices to prevent disease, weeds, and climate change.

This means that being a certified organic farm isn't just a declaration of intent: it's first a journey and then a strictly regulated status, requiring constant commitment, transparency, ongoing employee training, and significant investment!

Organic: not the easiest way, but certainly the right one

Organic farming has immense benefits for health and the environment, simply because it respects nature.

• Improve soil fertility through crop rotation and natural compost;
• Protects biodiversity (insects, bees, local flora and fauna);
• Reduces pollution of water and groundwater;
• Lower your carbon footprint: less energy used to produce pesticides and fertilizers;
• It respects the natural growth times of plants, promoting the development of precious nutrients.

As far as human health is concerned , however:

• It eliminates the indirect intake of chemical residues that poison the body and make it sick;
• It promotes the intake of valuable nutrients, such as antioxidants, vitamins and other beneficial compounds

However, there are ongoing challenges and difficulties for those working in the organic sector. We ignore all the technical and bureaucratic requirements that must be met—meticulous input and output records, records and documentation on every cultivation practice, ongoing controls, inspections by numerous regulatory bodies, etc.—there are real difficulties that are often ignored or underestimated by consumers :

• More limited production : Without the use of chemical fertilizers or synthetic pesticides, organic crop yields are naturally lower than those of conventional agriculture. Plants grow according to organic rhythms, with less forcing. This results in smaller harvests and greater variability from year to year.
• Sensitivity to weather conditions : Organic farming is more exposed to adverse weather conditions. Drought, hailstorms, frost, heavy rainfall, or seasonal changes can easily compromise an entire crop. Where conventional agriculture intervenes with chemicals, organic farming responds with natural techniques that are less invasive, but also less immediate and effective.
•  Higher labor costs : Many organic operations—such as weeding, pruning, or weed control—must be performed manually or with slower, specialized machinery, increasing time and costs. The absence of chemical shortcuts makes the work more intense, but also more careful and informed.
• Higher training and refresher courses costs: Organic farming is not static: the rules change, as do the techniques.
• Market pressure and "unfair" prices: Organic products often have higher production costs, but must compete with conventional products on the shelves. Many consumers don't understand the true value of organic products and are guided solely by price, placing organic companies under constant economic pressure.

A responsible choice, not a fad

Being an organic farm today means much more than just putting a green label on your product. It's a daily choice of consistency, care, and responsibility toward the land, consumers, and future generations. In a fast-paced world, organic vineyards remind us that the quality and authenticity of wines require time, commitment, and respect, and those who work according to these principles deserve not only trust, but also recognition and support.

It is therefore a choice that is made first of all with the heart because, if it were made with the head, it would be more logical to turn to easier and less demanding earnings.

However, at LE LASE we know well that being organic in the cultivation of the vineyard is only a small step; respect for the entire ecosystem in which the vineyard is inserted becomes fundamental.

If you want to discover our concrete actions and our commitment to sustainability, click here .

Cheers!!