You can find our current wine and drinks list here
All of our wines are produced organically, some biodynamically. We have enjoyed offering an organic wine list to our customers for over 25 years. The use of organic farming methods, which eliminate synthetic chemical fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides that effect the natural growth and ripening of the grapes, are a return to traditional agriculture. This method helps to maintain the vine's balance, producing healthier grapes, free of residues that alter the aromatic components of the fruit, their taste and natural texture.
Whilst our wine list is 100% organic, to keep the menu within the organic remit we have where possible sourced a selection of spirits and liqueurs which are produced organically. We aim to offer an alternative to popular branded market leaders, but without compromising on taste.
Although driven by organics we periodically make an exception to the rule and stock guest wines, beers and liquors that are produced locally and are of exceptional quality.
All our wines are either vegetarian or vegan and some are biodynamic as well. Please see below for further information on any of these production methods or if at the restaurant you have any questions about any of our wines, then do not hesitate to ask a member of our restaurant team.
A note on Organic and Biodynamic viticulture…
Before we engage in any lengthy discussion about the nature of these practices, let it be known that organic and biodynamic farming aren’t anything new—most of the top producers of Old World wines have been practicing these arts since viticulture began. It is only in the last 60 years or so that chemicals began to be used widely on crops. We at Terre à Terre are hopeful that through the support of these practices we can rediscover the roots of fine food and wine. That is Terre à Terre: Earth to Earth, Down to Earth, Back to Earth...
Vegetarian and Vegan Wines
In wine making, the part where fermented wine is cleared of its sediment, is called fining (or clarification). Quite frequently if nature is allowed to take its course, any sediment particles will settle naturally over time at the bottom of any storage tanks, after which the clear wine can be racked off.
Waiting (can be many months) is sometimes not an option, so the winemaker may need to use one of the variety of fining products to drop through the wine to clarify it. However some fining agents contain animal gelatine or fish-based products which are obviously not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. When an egg white or a similar milk based product is used, the wine is fine for vegetarian An inert clay called ‘bentonite’ is commonly used, or, circumstances permitting, the winemaker allows nature to take its course, both of which makes the wine suitable for vegans.
Low to No – Sulphur
Sulphur dioxide is the most widely used and controversial additive in winemaking. It’s used as an antiseptic (to kill off unwanted moulds, bacteria and yeasts) and as an antioxidant (to inhibit oxygen spoiling the wine).
Sulphur certainly isn’t a bonus for us to ingest in wine, but it can be in most circumstances a ‘necessary evil’ so we can enjoy a relatively clean tasting product. However for an increasing number of people, it can cause allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, and a heightened groggy ‘morning after’ feeling.
The good news is that there are positive choices as all certified organic and biodynamic wines contain regulated low average levels of sulphites, compared to many conventional wines.
Many of our organic wines are well deserved top award winners, so enjoy wines from our list in Terre a Terre or in the comfort of your home! We sell all our wines off licence, a small selection in our shop online but please get in touch if you would like to request anything from the full list.
