Please introduce yourself and Cantina Orsogna:
Cantina Orsogna, created in 1964, is a cooperative company of 450 partners. It is the largest producer of organic and biodynamic wines in the south centre of Italy. It has more than 1.100 hectares of vines, 80% is certified organic, and 30% is certified biodynamic (biodynamic viticulture) by Demeter. Cantina Orsogna has been certified biodynamic since 2005 and has been organic producers for more than 30 years.
Why did you decide to produce the Lunaria line Demeter certified instead of organic? What does Demeter mean to you?
The altitude above sea level and the specific area ventilation, thanks to the position between the Adriatic and Majella, did not require the use of pesticides and treatments for humidity stagnation. Moreover, these conditions never allowed the massive production of grapes. It is as if it was the Nature itself to guide us to biodynamic agriculture. Demeter means a way of working and living the land, through its method the agriculture is in harmony with nature, the land and the men.
What are the most important rules to take into account for this certification?
The most important rule for us is to consider that plants, animals and human beings are involved in the fertilization, feeding and keeping a healthy eco-system. The instruments are definitely: moon phases, biodynamic agriculture and biodiversity. Another important element is the desire to produce wines that express the bond with their own territory, without affecting in any way nature.
Is somebody doing a check from Demeter if you work by these rules and how?
For the production of a certified Demeter wine, it is necessary to follow rules that regard each category of product or ingredient. Demeter Standards ensure compliance with the rules and the conditions described can avoid as far as possible the degradation of vital forces. A complete verification process guarantees strict compliance with the International Standards for Demeter Production and Processing, as well as with the organic standards applicable in the different countries at every stage of the process: from agriculture production to product processing.
Can you tell more about the different labels of Lunaria? What are the differences and what is similar throughout the line?
Lunaria’s name comes from Luna which means moon in Italian, that is because the biodynamic processes follow the moon phases. All the range has got an ecologic paper and ink label and it shows an animal on it to create a link with nature. Each animal represented on the label has got the features of the wine, for example, the Coste di Moro has a bull on the label because it represents a robust and strong animal as it is the wine. Our Label is associated with the fox, because it is a cunning and adaptable animal, and so it is this wine. It can be coupled with a lot of dishes and satisfy different palates.
Are you also working responsible for the environment as a company and how can we see that in your wine?
When adopting biodynamic methods you already decided to work for a healthier environment, in fact through alternative preparations you reduce the attacks to nature. Furthermore, the winery is supporting WWF to save the wolves and using ecologic paper and ink it is also reducing the emissions of CO2 and the consumption of energy and water. On another line, we use special labels consisting of a mixture of stone powder and non-toxic resins, which are 100% recyclable and 100% tree-free (no tree is cut for their production). Last but not least, the winery has just received another important certification from the Biodiversity friend as a supporter of the conservation of the biodiversity in agriculture.
If you’d like to try their wines, just click here for the red, and here for the white >>