We all know that we should look after the environment and, with the amount of organic and ethical products on offer at the moment, as well as recycling schemes, this is much easier to do. Photo:11583, left;

In the wine industry there are definite moves to make the growing process more organic and to minimise damage to the environment.

Sales of organic food have trebled in the last five years as consumers are becoming more aware of what they are putting into their bodies. Organic wine is showing considerable growth too but is there a difference and is it really better for you?

First of all, what is organic wine? Well, the truth is no one actually knows! Different countries have different rules about what constitutes an organic wine. Generally speaking though, the principle behind it is to minimise the number of chemicals used in the whole wine-making process. As far as the growing of the grapes goes, this entails using no pesticides or any synthetic chemical products. When it comes to making the wine itself, things get a bit harder since there are stabilising chemicals (sulphites) needed to preserve the wine. This is why organic wine legally has to be called "wine made from organically grown grapes".

As to whether organic wine is better than non-organic, it's difficult to say. Just having organic grapes does not guarantee a better wine. You need to have a skilled wine-maker who knows what to do with them.

Some people claim that lower yields in organic vineyards produce a more concentrated flavour which contributes to a better quality wine. Other supposed benefits are that organic wine gives less of a hangover because of lower chemical levels.

As far as the customer is concerned, it has yet to be proved that organic wine has any particular benefit since the levels of chemicals found in non-organic wine are almost negligible but it is undoubtedly the case that the organic vineyard is a healthier place with fewer pollutants in the plants and local water sources.

So, try a bottle of organic wine and feel chuffed that you're helping the earth! Oh, and let me know if it's true about the milder hangover.

WINE OF THE WEEK

(Chile) £6.99

This wine is made from 100% organic Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and comes from the very respected Torres winemaking family. In true Cabernet style, it has a firm structure and spicy, liquorice and blackcurrant aromas.