BIO / HVE-3 wines

A part of our assortment consists of organic wines and wines with the HVE-3 certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale level 3). Both certifications guarantee a sustainable approach from vineyard to bottle, but they differ in their requirements and focus.

Organic wines generally follow stricter environmental regulations, while HVE-3 wines take a broader approach to sustainability and are less restrictive than organic wines. The better option depends on your preference for sustainability and wine style.

Obtaining a BIO or HVE-3 certification is anything but easy. Winemakers must meet strict environmental standards and undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with the regulations.

Due to these rigorous requirements and controls, greenwashing – falsely claiming sustainability – is nearly impossible. Only winemakers who genuinely invest in environmentally responsible practices receive official certification, ensuring that BIO and HVE-3 wines are truly more sustainable than conventional wines.

Kenmerk	BIO	HVE-3
Certification	European organic label (AB label in France).	Haute Valeur Environnementale level 3 in France.
Pesticides	No synthetic pesticides allowed.	Limited use of pesticides allowed, provided they are environmentally friendly.
Herbicides	Restricted	Possible, but with limitations.
Fertilizer	No synthetic fertilizers allowed	Allowed, but with limits on quantity and impact.
Biodiversity	Strong focus on biodiversity and natural ecosystems.	Focus on biodiversity, but less strict than organic.
Soil management	Natural methods such as composting and green manure.	Management focused on soil health, but with more flexibility.
Water management	Strict regulation, avoiding chemical pollution.	Limited irrigation and focus on water conservation.
Sulfites	Limited, stricter than conventional wine.	Allowed within standard regulations.
Target audience	Consumers who demand fully organic products.	Consumers who support sustainable agriculture but do not necessarily require organic products.
Costs for the winemaker	Higher due to stricter regulations and fewer chemical aids.	Lower than organic, but higher than conventional viticulture.

BIO (ORGANIC) WINES

Strict standards for sustainable farming

Some wine enthusiasts feel that wines are becoming increasingly similar, as many winemakers use the same production methods and vinification techniques. Whereas it was once easy to distinguish a German wine from a South French one, this is now much less obvious.

Organic viticulture breaks this uniformity by allowing the unique characteristics of each terroir to shine through. Since the grapes grow and ripen naturally, the resulting wines have more character and an authentic taste experience.

Organically grown grapes are cultivated without synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or other artificial substances such as toxic herbicides and insecticides. The BIO label (green leaf logo) is a recognized European certification ensuring compliance with these strict standards.

This approach not only promotes vineyard health but also results in wines that are pure and authentic. The natural processes enhance the true expression of the terroir. Additionally, organic wines are better for consumers, as they contain fewer chemical residues.

The vinification process is also regulated, with restrictions on sulfite additions and a ban on certain additives such as sorbate.

This makes organic wines the most rigorous choice in terms of sustainability, adhering to the strictest standards and controls in the wine industry.

HVE-3 CERTIFICATE

Sustainability on company-level

The HVE-3 certification is a government standard that focuses on the overall management of the vineyard rather than the wine itself. To obtain this certification, a winemaker must meet requirements in four key areas:

Biodiversity: Emphasis is placed on preserving natural ecosystems around the vineyards, such as planting hedgerows and wildflower meadows.

Phytosanitary strategy: This involves measures to protect vineyards from diseases and pests while minimizing the use of chemical pesticides.

Fertilization: HVE-3 requires responsible fertilization practices, with strict limits on synthetic fertilizers and a focus on natural alternatives.

Water management: Efficient water use is essential, promoting techniques that reduce waste and improve sustainability.

Although HVE-3 offers more flexibility than organic viticulture, it still requires winemakers to implement strict environmental measures and demonstrate that their vineyard is managed responsibly.