How is organic wine made? From vineyard to bottle step by step
The winemaking process of organic wine from Empordà
How is organic wine produced? The process begins long before the harvest and starts in the vineyard itself, with a way of understanding viticulture based on respect for the soil, the environment, and the natural cycle of the plant. From vine care to bottling, every decision influences the final character of the wine.
In a territory like Empordà, where the Mediterranean climate, the Tramuntana wind, and the slate-llicorella soils are part of the landscape’s identity, producing organic wine from Empordà means working with nature, not against it. Organic viticulture seeks to reduce environmental impact, preserve biodiversity, and obtain healthy, balanced grapes that express the authenticity of the terroir.
But exactly, how is organic wine produced from vine to bottle? In this guide, we explain step by step the main stages of the process and how organic viticulture contributes to creating wines with identity, concentration, and personality.
In the case of Celler Mas Pòlit, this philosophy is closely linked to the territory of Alt Empordà and a way of working the vineyard based on responsible viticulture, family experience, and respect for the environment.
Discover the organic viticulture of Celler Mas Pòlit and our way of working the vineyard in Empordà
1. The first step: caring for the vineyard organically
The production of an organic wine begins in the vineyard. To obtain quality grapes, it is essential to keep the vines healthy and achieve a natural balance between the plant, the soil, and the surrounding ecosystem.
Organic viticulture in Empordà avoids the use of certain synthetic chemicals and opts for agricultural practices that respect natural processes. The goal is to reduce pressure on the environment and work to preserve soil fertility and biodiversity.
This involves observing the vineyard throughout the year and adapting agricultural tasks to the needs of each plot. Pruning, vegetation control, soil maintenance, and cover crop management are decisions that have a direct influence on grape quality.
In an organic D.O. Empordà winery, the work is not simply about applying a specific technique, but about understanding the behaviour of the vine and respecting its natural rhythms.
2. The soil: the foundation of a wine with identity
The soil is one of the fundamental elements for understanding the character of a wine. In Empordà, the geological diversity and territorial conditions contribute to creating wines with their own personality.
Some vineyards in Empordà are located on terrain formed by slate and llicorella, a type of soil especially characteristic of mountain areas. These terroirs, together with the Mediterranean climate and the influence of the Tramuntana wind, are part of the expression of the wine-growing landscape.
Organic work seeks to keep the soil alive and promote its balance. The presence of spontaneous vegetation and other agricultural practices can help protect the land from erosion and promote biodiversity.
That is why, when we talk about sustainable mountain vineyard DO Empordà wine, we are not only talking about a final product, but about a way of understanding the entire production process, from the terroir to the bottle.
3. Pruning and preparing the vines
During winter, when the vine is in its dormant period, pruning takes place. This task is essential for determining the plant’s balance and preparing it for the new growing cycle.
Pruning helps regulate production and helps the vine concentrate its resources on an adequate number of grapes. A balanced vine can produce higher quality grapes with better ripening.
In artisanal viticulture, pruning requires knowledge and experience. Each vine may have different characteristics, and decisions must be adapted to the plant’s age, variety, soil, and plot conditions.
This patient work is one of the foundations for producing Empordà red aged wines with concentration and personality.
4. The vegetative cycle: observing and protecting the vineyard
With the arrival of spring, the vineyard awakens. The first shoots begin to appear, and a new vegetative cycle begins that will culminate in the harvest.
During these months, the vineyard team constantly monitors the condition of the vines. Weather conditions play an essential role, and each year’s conditions can influence grape development.
At this stage, the Tramuntana wind is a characteristic element of the Empordà landscape. This wind can influence vineyard conditions and is part of the climatic identity of a unique wine-growing territory.
The combination of the Mediterranean climate, the Tramuntana, altitude, and mountain soils helps shape the characteristics of the grapes and, subsequently, the wine.
5. The harvest: the key moment for picking the grapes
The harvest is one of the most important times of the wine year. The timing of the grape pick is determined based on its ripeness and the balance between different parameters, such as acidity, sugars, and phenolic maturity.
In the production of an organic DO Empordà wine, the harvest requires careful planning. The grapes must reach the winery in the best possible condition to preserve their quality.
Harvesting can be done manually, especially when seeking to select the best grapes or when the terrain’s characteristics make other harvesting methods difficult.
Grape selection is essential. Only healthy, quality grapes can produce a wine that faithfully expresses its origin.
6. From vine to winery: reception and selection of grapes
Once harvested, the grapes arrive at the winery, where a new phase of the process begins. Speed and care in reception are important to maintain their properties.
At this stage, a selection of the grapes can be made before starting vinification. The goal is to work with quality raw material and prevent grapes that do not meet the desired criteria from interfering with the final result.
From this point on, the winemaking process will depend on the type of wine desired, the grape variety, and the characteristics of each vintage.
7. Fermentation: when must becomes wine
Fermentation is the natural process by which the sugars present in the must are transformed into alcohol. It is one of the most important phases of winemaking.
During fermentation, temperature control and the evolution of the must are fundamental aspects for achieving a balanced result. In the case of red wines, contact with the grape skins allows colour, aromas, and tannins to be extracted.
The work of the winegrower and the winemaker consists of guiding the process and making the necessary decisions so that the wine develops its potential without losing its identity.
In a wine from an Empordà mountain vineyard, the goal is to preserve and express the territory’s own characteristics, maintaining the balance between fruit, structure, freshness, and personality.
8. Ageing: time, patience, and complexity
Not all organic wines go through an ageing process, but for those that do, time becomes an essential ingredient.
Wine ageing allows the wine to evolve and develop new aromas and textures. During this period, the wine can acquire greater complexity and progressively integrate its different components.
Ageing can take place in different vessels, depending on the wine style desired. Wood, for example, can add aromatic nuances and contribute to the wine’s evolution, as long as it is used in a balanced way.
In Empordà, aged wines can express a particularly interesting combination of grape concentration, terroir influence, and freshness provided by the climatic conditions.
It is in this process that an aged DO Empordà wine can develop a more complex personality, with aromas and sensations that evolve over time.
9. Bottling: from the winery to the bottle
When the wine has completed the corresponding winemaking and ageing process, it is time for bottling.
This stage marks the end of the production process and, at the same time, the beginning of a new phase of evolution. Once in the bottle, the wine can continue to evolve and develop its characteristics.
Proper bottling and storage are important to preserve wine quality until the moment of consumption.
Thus, the journey that began with the care of a vine ends up becoming a bottle that carries with it part of the landscape, the climate, and the work carried out throughout the year.
10. What differentiates an organic wine from a conventional wine?
The main difference lies in how the vineyard is worked and the criteria followed during the production process. Organic viticulture emphasises environmental protection, the reduction of certain synthetic chemicals, and respect for natural processes.
But an organic wine does not simply mean a wine produced without certain products. It also represents a work philosophy that seeks to care for the soil, preserve biodiversity, and reduce the environmental impact of winegrowing activity.
In this sense, sustainability can include different actions related to water management, energy, waste, packaging materials, and landscape conservation.
The result is a way of producing wine that seeks to establish a more balanced relationship between agricultural activity, territory, and the environment.
11. Why is Empordà an ideal territory for producing organic wine?
Empordà is a winegrowing territory with a very strong identity. Its location, Mediterranean climate, proximity to the sea, mountain areas, and the influence of the Tramuntana wind create unique conditions for vine cultivation.
The diversity of the terrain and the presence of slate and llicorella soils in certain areas contribute to the complexity of the region’s wines.
Organic viticulture fits especially well with a way of working that values the landscape and winegrowing heritage. Caring for the vineyard also means caring for the territory that makes the production of DO Empordà wines possible.
In this context, an Empordà family winery can offer a perspective based on knowledge of the territory and a direct relationship with the vineyards and the different generations that have worked the land.
12. Celler Mas Pòlit: organic wine rooted in the territory
The philosophy of Celler Mas Pòlit is based on respect for the vineyard and the territory of Empordà. Organic viticulture is an essential part of this way of understanding winemaking, with the aim of reducing environmental impact and preserving the environment.
The result is wines that seek to express the personality of their origin and highlight the characteristics of a unique winegrowing territory.
Among the wines of Celler Mas Pòlit, there are different expressions of the territory and its production philosophy. You can discover them and buy them directly from the winery’s online shop.
Discover and buy online the wines of Celler Mas Pòlit → View all DO Empordà wines
13. Discover the wines of Celler Mas Pòlit
The best way to discover the result of this process is to explore the different wines produced by Celler Mas Pòlit. Each reference offers its own interpretation of the territory and the grape varieties worked.
Among the winery’s selection, you will find Mas Pòlit, one of the references that represents the winery’s identity; Clot d’Illa; Terra Indika red and Terra Indika rosé.
You can also discover Racons, Clar i Net, and the special edition Mas Pòlit 450 – Historical Edition, marking the 450th anniversary.
If you want to discover which wine best suits your taste, you can browse the full range available and make your purchase directly online.
Buy organic wines from Celler Mas Pòlit online
14. From vine to bottle: a way of making wine based on respect
Producing an organic wine is a long process that begins long before the harvest. It starts with soil care, continues with the patient work in the vineyard, and culminates with winemaking, ageing, and bottling.
Each bottle is the result of many decisions made throughout the year. Pruning, vineyard management, ripeness monitoring, grape selection, and winemaking are all part of the same process.
In a territory like Empordà, this process takes on a special dimension. The Tramuntana wind, the Mediterranean climate, the mountain soils, and the winemaking tradition all contribute to creating wines with a unique identity.
That is why, when we enjoy an organic DO Empordà wine, we are not just discovering a drink. We are also discovering a way of working the land, a wine culture, and a landscape.
At Celler Mas Pòlit, this connection between vineyard, territory, and sustainability is part of the winery’s philosophy. A way of working that allows wines with character and personality to be produced, respecting the environment that makes them possible.
Discover the organic viticulture of Celler Mas Pòlit and find out how we work our vineyards
Discover the wines of Celler Mas Pòlit and buy online