Wine Rack Store Blog

I’m a greener. Have I mentioned before that I’m a greener? I love all things green: M&Ms, frogs, trees, beer, and of course green living! I also love wine, which comes from grapes that start out as green! When my love of wine also contributes to my green lifestyle, I’m just tickled green about it. So when I come across a vineyard and/or winery that strives to be green, I pay homage. Last night I pulled a Clos Du Bois 2005 Merlot from my carbon free wine rack and reveled in the joy of responsible earth friendly living.

Clos Du Bois is a French term loosely translated as “a wooded enclosure”, but in this case it refers to a Californian winery located in the beautiful Alexander Valley of Sonoma County. This winery is a leader in developing, implementing, and promoting sustainable agriculture and environmentally responsible business practices. I love that! Here are just a few things they are doing to protect our earth (as described on their website):

“Recycling Programs

* Recycle approximately 90% of all solid waste, including grape processing waste, which we compost and mix into the soil of their vineyards.
* Maintain a rigorous employee recycling program for paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic.
* Other recycling programs include a production program that recycles cardboard and plastic, accepting recycling from neighboring wineries, and working with vendors to ensure packaging materials are returned and reused.
*Our glass is made from 40% recycled material.

Energy Efficiency

* Install windows in the cellar ceiling to reduce the need for electric lighting.
* Our barrel room is cooled with an ice bank system that allows most of the energy usage to occur during evening hours Responsible Water Consumption

* Drip irrigation is used throughout the vineyards to drastically reduce water usage. Waste water from winery processes is recycled and rerouted to the vineyards.
* One acre of our vineyards uses less water than a typical family of four.

Integrated Pest Management

* Our organic compost operation produces over 7,000 cubic yards of compost annually for use in the vineyard, increasing the sustainability of the overall operation.
* Microclimates were created to cultivate predatory insect communities through the planting of
cover crops.
* Canopy management is utilized as a preventive measure against mildew, bunch rot, and insects, and also to enhance fruit quality through sun exposure. Restoration of Riparian Habitat

* We actively convert existing vineyard land bordering the Russian River back to a dedicated riparian environment, and plant trees and shrubs for shade to promote healthier fish habitats.
* Clos du Bois is a founding member of the Fish Friendly Farming Organization.

Wetland Restoration

We engage in a program of wetland restoration to create a healthy habitat for migrating birds.”

But let’s get real, just because a wine is green, doesn’t mean it tastes good. So let’s pop the cork and get to the nitty gritty details:

I love it! Cheers!

…..Ok…I’ll come up with a bit more of a description for you. Clos Du Bois Merlot is a very friendly wine. Just as friendly on the palate as it is on the earth. It is reasonably priced at around $15 a bottle, and it is consistently yummy. Juicy and fruity on the nose, and smooth and velvety on the tongue. Mellow and blended flavors of berry, coffee, and toasty oak with enough depth to savor, yet easy on the more cautious palates. This is a great wine to take to a dinner party, as it will likely work for just about anyone. It will pair beautifully with steak or pasta, but is mellow enough to accompany lighter fair such as pork or roasted chicken. A mainstay in my wine rack, Clos Du Bois Merlot is a keeper! Cheers!

Labels: carbon neutral wine racks, clos du bois, green living, wine rack store, wine review