Disappointing Biodynamics Debate?

Should the UK wine trade promote organic and biodynamic wines?

That was the question wine author and biodynamic proponent, Monty Waldin and Richard Smart, viticultural consultant, debated at the WSET school in London. But according to Anne Krebiehl, MW undergraduate, wine consultant and writer, writing exclusively for Harpers on the debate said "Biodynamic winemaker Monty Waldin and viticulturist, Dr Richard Smart failed to live up to their billing at what has been described as a "disappointing" biodynamics debate held last night at the WSET in London."

She concludes by saying "No real answers were forthcoming. From such distinguished speakers I would have expected more. Quite apart from muddying the waters by lumping biodynamics together with organics, the evening was a missed opportunity for both sides."

Here is a video with a 7 minute interview with Monty and Richard right before the debate:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQbN7uPVAhk


I can't tell by short sample of the debate if it was really that bad, so I would love to hear from anybody who was actually there (it was a sold out event), if they have a different opinion to share from what Anne had to say.

Thanks,
LA

Related article:

Biodynamics are 'emotional black magic': Richard Smart

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Biodynamics are 'emotional black magic': Richard Smart

The organic and biodynamic winemaking lobby uses 'emotional black magic' to get its message across, the famous Viticulturalist Richard Smart will argue next month with biodynamic evangelist Monty Waldin in a debate at the headquarters of the WSET in London.

They are equally passionate in their views. Smart says his approach to viticulture is ‘based on conventional science, and not emotional “black magic. 

‘Organic [and] biodynamic producers considerably overstate the benefits of their approach to wine quality, consumers’ health and the environment,’ Richard argues.
 

Defending biodynamics, Monty argues that the ‘tastiest, healthiest grapes’ are produced when Nature is ‘stewarded not enslaved’.

Antony Moss MW, research and development director for WSET  will moderate the debate.

In the mean time, you can learn a lot more about biodynamics (and a few other things about viticulture and winemaking) by reading the book (kindle edition available as well) Authentic Wine: Toward Natural and Sustainable Winemaking by Jamie Goode and Sam Harrop MW. 

According to the San Francisco Chronicle (and I couldn't agree more) it is "An ocean's worth of savvy detail about both the more (organic farming, the endless shades of sustainability) and less (reverse osmosis, acidification) happy nuances of making wine."

And (in case you haven't done it yet) please join our fight: 

"It's a grape VARIETY, for heaven's sake!!!"  

Cheers,

LA

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