7am The Weekend Read: Konrad Muller on organic wine and whether it’s worth it
Feb 10, 2024
Writer Konrad Muller explores the effort and cost of making organic wine. He discusses the transition from chemical herbicides to natural materials, the debate between organic and conventional methods, and the benefits and challenges of organic farming and biodynamic viticulture in Tasmania.
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Vineyard Description
- Konrad Muller works on a small, under-one-hectare vineyard in Tasmania's West Tamar, focusing solely on Pinot Noir.
- The vineyard features five Pinot Noir clones, some originally from Burgundy, and diverse soil types, enhancing fruit complexity.
Herbicide Shift
- Switching from chemical herbicides to natural methods can be cheaper and improve soil health.
- This shift can decrease yield due to weed competition, but it improved the fruit profile in Konrad Muller's vineyard.
Dynamic Winemaking
- Australian winemaking has a strong and diverse culture, with practices constantly evolving.
- Winemakers are open to experimentation and improvement, especially in Tasmania's dynamic wine scene.