Organic Wines Paired With Summer Burger Recipes

By Maris Callahan for DietsInReview.com

There are a lot of ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint when you’re throwing a party, including composting your leftovers, recycling, and buying locally grown produce – fruits and vegetables that haven’t been shipped halfway around the world.

Another way to do your part to help the planet is by serving organic wine. Contrary to popular belief, organic wine is actually no healthier for you than conventional wine, but it is better for the planet.

“Organic winemaking is the emphasis on growing grapes with natural remedies and enhancements instead of manufactured fertilizers and pesticides,” said Erica Witte, owner of The Poison Cup, a wine and art boutique in Chicago. “Anyone who is concerned about the planet’s lack of potable water should consider trading traditional wines for organic,” Witte said. “It’s also perfect for anyone skeptical of FDA-approved pesticides or fertilizers.”

Not only are organic grapes farmed using more sustainable methods than conventional grapes, organic wine is free of sulfites, which some wine-drinkers like to avoid.

On the Fourth of July, when many people serve cans of beer that will eventually wind up in the recycling bin, serve bottles of organic wine instead or in addition to your usual libations. We’ve chosen a few organic wines that pair with a few favorite, healthier burger recipes that will allow for a delicious and guilt-free summer celebration.

1 of 2

Read more: 4th of July, All recipes, Drinks, Entrees, Food, Green, burgers, grilling, organic wine, summer, wine

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

pat B.

12:08PM PDT on Jul 17, 2011

Trader Joe's now has Green Fin wine which is a cab made from organic grapes . 4 bucks ! What I like is NO hangover .

send a green star

Laura S.

4:34PM PDT on Jul 3, 2011

There is no such thing as "sulfite-free" wine, except by an accident of nature. Sulfites occur naturally in all grapes, whether or not the grapes are organically grown. Anyone who says differently is incorrect. U.S. wine labels are only required to disclose the presence of sulfites when they exceed 10 ppm, but they are always present. Merely in a lesser amount.

Here is a brief overview of maximum amounts of sulfites allowed in different classes of wines.
•Organic Wine: Under 10 ppm naturally occurring sulfite
•Biodynamic Wine: 100 ppm added sulfite
•“Made with Organic Grapes” wine: 150 ppm added sulfite
•All wine: 350 ppm added sulfite

Currently USDA certified organic wine is not allowed to contain added sulfites, or more than 10 ppm (parts per million) of naturally occurring sulfites. There is a movement afoot to allow makers of organic wines to add sulfites to their products. If you're allergic, or even sensitive, to sulfites, you should be keeping watch on this movement.

Lisa B.

7:39AM PDT on Jun 30, 2011

Yum!

Nicole D.

7:16AM PDT on Jun 30, 2011

The only vegetarian burger "recipe" is heat up a veggie burger. Put on bun and top with lettuce, tomato, and ketchup. REALLY?! I mean seriously...really?! I would have liked to see a little bit more effort. I mean, if you're going to take the time to search the web for a veggie burger recipe and then provide a link at least it could have been better. Watch, I can do a better job in 30 seconds:

http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/recipes/raw-vegan-burger-recipe

(This one is raw vegan and looks AMAZING and probably tastes 100% better than a frozen cardboard veggie burger)

That being said I think the wine pairings are great!

Elisabeth T.

6:49AM PDT on Jun 30, 2011

good article..

caterina c.

9:00AM PDT on Jun 29, 2011

Nina A.

7:39AM PDT on Jun 29, 2011

Interesting! Thanks.

Sue M.

6:06AM PDT on Jun 29, 2011

thanks.

Danuta W.