Chivite: Organic processes and wines

Wed 25 Nov, 2009

Prestigeous Navarra winemaker, Chivite, has just launched their first wine, certified as fully organic by the CPAEN-NNPEK. This is just but a first step in Chivite's plans towards a completely organic wine production. 

The signature of an agreement with the WWF for sustainability and environmental care on the vineyards back in the '90s kick-started Chivite's project for fully organic wine production. This agreement set the first clear tasks: Chivite had to carry out an exhaustive study and registration of the flora and fauna at their Pago de Arínzano; and also, the family had to apply sustainability criteria in the vineyards and in the winemaking, and even in the construction of the cellars. Bodegas Chivite explains:

"Our approach towards organic viticulture is the result of our corporate philosophy, rather than a commercial or image-building motivation. We firmly believe that we must preserve, maintain and if possible improve the natural environment in which we directly or indirectly impact".

After many years of efforts, the first fully organic Chivite wine is on the market, Chivite Merlot Biológico. Not only is the content of the bottle organic, but also the packaging responds to Chivite's commitment to sustainability: the bottle is made in light glass, the cork is natural, and recycled paper is used for the labels.

This is only the beginning though. Chivite is planning their next step towards total sustainability with the construction of their next cellars in Ribera del Duero which has been designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect, Rafael Moneo and the Moneo Brock Studio, directed by his daughter Belén.

Diario de Noticias, November 25th 2009