What is Biodynamics
I don’t know about you, but I was under the impression that Biodynamics was relatively a new concept. But it has been around for quite some time. It is an approach to agriculture that was developed by a philosopher named Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925.) In addition to creating Biodynamics, he is also the father of the spiritual-scientific approach to knowledge called “anthroposophy.”
Nostradamus may be known for predicting the future (or more precisely the end of the world) but he had nothing on Rudolf Steiner. He predicted that western civilization needed to master an understanding of the relationship between the spiritual and physical world, or else through its actions, would be responsible for the destruction of the earth.
He may not have had the prose that Elton John had as he wrote “The Circle of Life,” but he was the first to describe it. He preached that there was a link between what connected humans to animals and them to the plants and ultimately the soil in which they grew. He recognized that we were in a chess game of our lives and that every move had a counter move that had earthly influences.
Biodynamics in Action
What do you do when you are a fanatic for history and philosophy? You travel the world, learn to make wine in Beaujolais and return to your home state of Oregon to settle down and make exceptional wines dedicated to holistic farming and winemaking. This was the life of Jimi Brooks, the founder of Brooks Winery. He believed in a simple concept; his winery was going to be regenerative rather than degenerative.
The Location
The winery is located in Eola-Amity Hills, a sub-region of the Willamette Valley. Located just an hour’s drive from both Portland and Eugene airports, the region is easily accessible.
The Eola-Amity AVA, founded in 2006, is completely within the Willamette Valley AVA and is relatively large stretching about 15 miles long by 6 miles wide. It is contained between the city of Amity (not the one from the horror film; that honor belongs to a home on Long Island, way on the opposite coast) to the north and Salem (again, not the famous one) to the south.
The region is marked by the winds that come off the Pacific Ocean and travel through the Van Duzer Corridor. These winds lower the summer temperatures in the AVA allowing the fruit to enjoy a longer hangtime. The hills themselves were named after the Greek god of wind, Aeolus. There are almost 40,000-acres within the AVA and there are approximately 1,300 acres of planted vineyards.
The Soil
Winemakers always talk about allowing their fruit to express the terroir. It’s like the officials at sporting event. They are there to regulate the game, not influence it. Winemakers, although they have a style, they are not there to manipulate the fruit, rather to allow it to shine.
Although all vines are influenced by their soil and environment, it is often said that no other reflects their surroundings as much as Pinot Noir. The vineyard soils of the region include residual sediments from the Missoula floods as well as volcanic and Nekia soils (composed of marine sediments and alluvial deposits) and over ancient basalt beds. The thin soils often provide wines that are higher in acidity, fuller bodied and a bit bolder than other AVAs in the Willamette Valley.
Continuing the Commitment
Unfortunately, Jimi passed away in 2004 at an early age from an aortic aneurism. But the Willamette Valley wine family came together to support his family and the winery. A dozen winemakers harvested the fruit and made the wine for Brooks Winery’s 2004 vintage. (This incredible act of kindness was turned into the 2014 award-winning documentary American Wine Story.)
After that vintage, his sister, Janie, managed the winery. At the time, Pascal, Jimi’s son, was just 8 years old. The following vintage Janie hired, Jimi’s long time friend, Chris Williams to be the winemaker.
Fast forward to 2019, Pascal is still carrying on his father’s legacy and passion. As the sole owner of the winery, he along with his aunt and father’s friend, continue to produce award-winning biodynamic wines in Willamette Valley. They acquired their biodynamic certification through Demeter in 2012. Williams farms twenty acres, has introduced native plants, maintains an insectary and propagates a medicinal herb garden to allow Brooks Winery to prepare their compost teas.
The Pairing
In my glass, the wine poured a brilliant pale ruby in color. Wonderful aromas of cherry, strawberry and rose petals emanated from the glass. On the palate cranberries, strawberries and a perfect touch of herbs. The finish is medium with a nice acidity that carries the flavors just long enough for you to crave another sip. (SRP: $54)
I had some difficulty deciding what to pair with the wine. It was not the fault of the wine, rather the fact that the most common suggestions had ingredients that I do not eat. I used my trusty Coravin to sample the wine and as I mulled over the wine, I thought about the nuances of the Pinot and thought that smoked Gouda would be a nice pairing. The wine was way too impressive to just put some cheese on a plate and call it a day, so yes, I created an entire meal around on ingredient. Does anyone else do that?
Once I decided on the main ingredient, I went to the store and stood in the cheese section. With my smoked Gouda in hand, I started thinking about what other ingredients would compliment the wine. Being the carbohydrate fanatic that I am, I knew my base would be pasta, so it was a matter of vegetables. Just a mere, $11 later, I was armed with my ingredients and ready to cook.
The recipe can be found on my second website, Wine Pairing with Dracaena Wines.
In the end, I must admit, it was a fantastic pairing. It did what a pairing is supposed to. The wine itself was delicious, the food was wonderful, but together they complimented each other and provided an elevated palate experience.
Join in the Conversation
Here is a sneak peak of the dishes and wine pairings that are in store. These recipes will go live this Saturday May 11th during our Twitter chat scheduled 8-9 am PT. Follow #winepw as we discuss the behind the scenes of our recipe pairings and share thoughts on these amazing wines.
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- David of Cooking Chat has prepared “Salmon, Farro and Mushrooms with Winderlea Pinot Noir”
- Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camila is celebrating with “Simple Pleasures, A Birthday Cheeseboard, & Keeler Estate Vineyards’ 2017 Terracotta Amphorae Riesling“
- Jill of L’Occasion writes about “Peace, Bread, Land and Wine’: A Meal With Brooks Winery“
- Jennifer of Vino Travels will share “Biodynamic Wines of the Willamette Valley with King Estate“
- Lori of Dracaena Wines will present “Continuing the Biodynamic Legacy #WinePW“
- Jane from Always Ravenous pairs “Wild Alaskan Salmon with Herbed Ricotta and Oregon Pinot Noir”
- Pinny of Chinese Food and Wine Pairings combines “Biodynamic Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Noir from Johan Vineyards Plus Surf ‘n’ Turf Dinner”
- Linda of My Full Wine Glass shares “Ode to Oregon: Johan’s Biodynamic Expression of Place (#WinePW)”
- Gwendolyn Alley from Wine Predator will present “Our land is our life and our life is our wine” — Cooper Mountain Pinot Paired with Duck #WinePW
- Deana from Asian Test Kitchen has whipped up “Oregon Orange Wine Sparkles with Indian Curry”
- Wendy Klik A Day in the Life on the Farm discovers “Dammit!! These are some great wines from Willamette.
- Nicole Ruiz Hudson from Somm’s Table is on A Hunt for a Biodynamic Willamette Valley Wine: Johan Vineyards Farmlands Pinot Noir and Salmon #WinePW
A wonderfully concise overview of biodynamics Lori. We visited Brooks winery a couple of years ago when we visited Portland. Wonderful wines!
Thank you Martin. It was interesting to research biodynamics and I had no idea of the history behind Brooks Winery. And yes, agree, the wines were spectacular!
Great article. This group is wonderful for teaching us new, old ideas LOL. Your pairing sounds wonderful.
Thank you Wendy. That is one of the things I love about this group. Always providing new information to learn!
I tasted this wine at the winery and loved it so much I bought a bottle and then when a library wine went on sale, I bought it also! Haven’t figured ut what to pair with it yet so I will definitely consider smoked gouda!
It seems that salmon was the ingredient of the chat! But I think the smoked gouda was fantastic with the Brooks wine! I would love to visit the winery.
Great overview of biodynamic farming. Also like the story of Brooks Winery, bringing a personal touch to the wine you are drinking. Great read!
Thank you so much Pinny. I was really impressed with the caring of the region for one of their own, and of course, I am not complaining about the exceptional wine! LOL
Great post Lori! Maybe I was drawn in by the Lion King reference , but I was fully engaged. The smoked gouda pasta bake sounds delicious as well. (Checked it out on the new site.)
I loved the Lion King. In fact, Can you feel the love tonight was Mike and my wedding song!! Oh thanks for checking the new site!
So glad you enjoyed the wine and getting to learn about Brooks. If you ever come out we don’t live far from them. I think I need to invest in a coravin. I bet your pairing was perfect and l love that you took your time to come up with just the right thing. Often I am winging it and hoping.
I do my fair share of winging it too!! I would love to visit them with you! Hopefully I will get there soon!
I enjoyed reading the story of Jimi Brooks and his family – especially the extended family of winemakers that assisted with harvest during a time of crisis. Says a lot about who you are, when people will go to such lengths to help out. And your pairing sounds delicious! I’m hungry now and would love a plate of it for dinner!
I was blown away by their generosity. It shows that there is still some wonderfulness in this world! As for the meal, if you give it a try, let me know what you think.
Excellent overview of Brooks’ ethos and I look forward to a visit when I’m there for work next time. Pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, OR Pinot Noir – sounds like a perfect time!
Thank you very much. I hope to visit there soon also! Do you get to go to Willamette Valley often?
Heya! I got to cover Brooks Winery too, what a treat. I didn’t taste that particular wine. Good stuff this month!
Very good stuff this month. These wines were fantastic. I would love to visit one day! It was fun to explore biodynamics.
A sad story to hear what happened to the father, but how wonderful the region pulled together and now his son carries on the legacy.
It is good to know there is still good people in this world. And so many within the wine industry!
Biodynamics is a fascinating and controversial subject, which I have only recently developed any knowledge about. I have to confess that I have trouble with the lack of scientific proof around some of the concepts, but certainly there is great wine coming from biodynamically farmed vineyards. We are going to Oregon in October and I will try to get to Brooks then.
I have to agree with you.. being the science geek, it is difficult to accept it 100% without the scientific backing, but there are some really great wines that are farmed biodynamically! If you get to Brooks, please be sure to tag me in any photos!