Biodynamics Book (Monty Waldin)

Has anyone seen the book profiled by this blogger?

http://tastelanguedoc.blogspot.com/2016 ... aldin.html

I just can't fully buy it. Sounds like sympathetic magic to me. Just like there are people that insist water "remembers" and this explains homeopathy. Nonetheless, I do like a lot of biodynamic wines, so...

Maybe I will look for the book. At least out of curiosity.

I've seen it, but not read it.

If you want to know all about Biodynamic viticulture and winemaking then Monty has done it.

He featured in an enjoyable TV 'reality' series showing a year in growing and making biodynamic wine in southern France in 2008.

Jami Goode had a good interview with hime here http://www.wineanorak.com/biodynamic10.htm

It's also profiled by (ahem) another blogger here:
http://www.winenous.co.uk/wp/archives/8593

In summary, I thought it was a good book. Whether you believe in the subject matter or (like me) think it is a load of bollocks, Monty describes it well.

Good review Steven. I had always persuaded myself that Bidynamics was "more" about careful organic farming, carefully considering seasons, balanced farming and the like.

Stuff like this:

how to dynamise liquids

is pretty much what I feared: magical thinking. Homeopathy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgxzSUxxRzE

"Tosh" is such a great English word!/

If you take away all of the woo-woo from Biodynamics, you're left with fairly sensible and reasonable organic farming methodology. This, I think, is part of the reason for the success of Biodynamic wines. The other is self-selection for quality. No lazy or inattentive viticulturalist is is going to put up with all the fussy ceremony associated with Biodynamics. The people who practice it are already attentive and dedicated.

-Paul W.

If you take away all of the woo-woo from Biodynamics, you're left with fairly sensible and reasonable organic farming methodology. This, I think, is part of the reason for the success of Biodynamic wines. The other is self-selection for quality. No lazy or inattentive viticulturalist is is going to put up with all the fussy ceremony associated with Biodynamics. The people who practice it are already attentive and dedicated.

I have to agree, Paul. In broad terms at least.

But if those attentive and dedicated people ignored the woo, and directed their resources in other directions, maybe their wines would be even more successful...?

Good points, Paul. Parallels my explanation to myself why I like many biodynamic wines.

Now I am off to draw a longer life-line on my palm with a biro!

As alluded to in the article Brian posted “dynamizing” could easily be referred to as “stirring” (real good).
Unless of course only a Demeter Biodynamic certified preparation master could “dynamize” and a gung ho organic farmer using similar preparations could only “stir”.

Salute

As alluded to in the article Brian posted “dynamizing” could easily be referred to as “stirring” (real good).
Unless of course only a Demeter Biodynamic certified preparation master could “dynamize” and a gung ho organic farmer using similar preparations could only “stir”.

Don't think you need a certified master. From memory, it is even tolerated to dynamize with a mechanical stirrer, but in that case the operator has to maintain conscious contact with the stirring. In practice, people often stir by hand (sometimes literally using their hand), creating vortices in one direction and then the other. Some even pre-dynamize the water by running it through a specially designed waterfall with lots of vortices.

(Not really sure why I am writing all this. Perhaps because it is a good example of how BD can waste time and money that could be better spent elsewhere. It isn't even as if stirring will help you keep in touch with the vineyards.)