Fruit v root

The ever-controversial subject of biodynamics waxes into view once more. This time in the form of a tasting designed to examine whether the same wines are perceived differently on fruit days or root days (see Moody burgundy and other fairy stories). As Jo Ahearne MW explained, 'root days produce more muted fruit flavours and less aromatics as well as making any tannin present stand out more and look harsher … while the fruit days show the highest aromatics and fruit.' These phenomena are attributed to the lunar cycle, whose calendar is so integral to biodynamic practice.

Arguing over the...