Waterford Biodynamic Luna 1.1

For the Demeter-certified Biodynamic: Luna, three Irish growers — Trevor Harris, Alan Mooney and John McDonnell — stepped up to the challenge of applying unusual agricultural practices to growing barley. 

They run their farms according to esoteric principles derived from a 1924 series of lectures by the Austrian polymath Rudolf Steiner. Steiner created a codified agricultural system for post-WW1 farmers who were worried about the industrialisation of agriculture, the degradation of the land and the loss of millennia of farming know-how. 

Having been adopted by many of the world’s greatest wine producers seeking the ultimate combination of pure and intense flavours, biodynamics today stands at the cutting edge of regenerative agriculture — bios meaning life and dynamos meaning energy. 

Nose: Super spicy, similar to rye whisky. Apricots, underripe pineapple, a green, agave-like element and finally, a whiff of honey and draff.

Palate: It’s alive with spice: white pepper and cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Followed by creamy, almost cream cheese notes, honeycomb, agave and Williams pears.

Finish: Long, slightly dry finish with plenty of spices and lingering creamy custard.