This advertising content was produced in collaboration with our partner, TILIA.
TILIA has long been a pioneer in sustainable viticulture. In fact, it was the first winery in vanArgentina to receive a formal certified-sustainable seal from Bodegas de Argentina on its label. Now, TILIA is advancing its mission to create wines that respect nature and the local community with a new organic certification: Made with Organic Grapes.
Supporting organic agriculture is increasingly important to wine drinkers, so the ability to clearly signal that a wine is made from organic grapes is a significant step forward for sustainability in the wine industry. TILIA’s new certification is a clear, concise communication that represents a much larger, comprehensive commitment.
The Made with Organic Grapes certification guarantees wines are made with 100 percent organic grapes, and further promotes TILIA’s efforts to create world-class wines that protect ancestral lands, strengthen biodiversity, and advocate for social responsibility. Prominently displayed on the bottle, the certification offers transparency to buyers and consumers so they can be confident that the wines they purchase are produced in a responsible manner. It also verifies that organic practices are utilized during every step of the winemaking process, and that the wines are made without synthetic chemicals, fungicides, and pesticides.
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The organic certification also encourages TILIA to continuously improve its farming, winemaking, and production practices for the greater good of the environment. “It’s crucial to demonstrate to consumers that we meet rigorous environmental care criteria, which is becoming incredibly important to them,” says Silvina van Houten, TILIA’s vineyard sustainability expert and agronomist.
A New Fleet of Organic Wines
Beginning with the 2023 vintage, nearly all of TILIA’s wines will feature the new organic certification. The new release includes TILIA’s fresh and intense Organic Chardonnay 2023, produced with organic grapes from high-elevation vineyards in the eastern and southern regions of Mendoza, and a complex and full-bodied Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, made with organic grapes from Mendoza’s eastern and central regions. Both TILIA’s Organic Malbec 2023 and Organic Malbec-Syrah 2023 are made with organic grapes from Mendoza’s eastern region and the Uco Valley.
The wines come packaged in bottles that align with TILIA’s sustainable efforts. To further reduce its carbon footprint, the winery uses ultra-lightweight bottles that weigh about 385 grams—30 percent lighter than the industry standard of 550 grams per bottle. TILIA also works with local glass manufacturers in Argentina to source the bottles. It’s measures like these that van Houten says make TILIA a winery that “wine lovers can feel good about supporting,” as its mission, in addition to protecting and preserving its vineyards, is to “prioritize social and environmental responsibility, aligning with their values and preferences.”
A Longtime Commitment
Nestled in Junín, Argentina, TILIA makes wines with grapes sourced from several vineyards around Mendoza. Although the vineyards are close to the Andes Mountains and sit at high elevations—vineyards can reach 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level—the desert region of Mendoza is particularly dry, which can be challenging for organic viticulture. The region’s short but intense summer rains and well-draining alluvial mountain soils reduce the odds of fungal diseases, but make water a precious resource to come by.
However, TILIA implements a number of practices to promote the health of their vineyards. Many of the processes that contribute to TILIA’s organic winemaking have been in place long before the winery received its official organic certification, like using cover crops to improve soil health by increasing organic matter and promoting microbial activity. Cover crops also help to prevent erosion by binding the soil with root systems that help retain soil moisture, which is essential in a climate as dry as Mendoza. Meanwhile, water management is maintained through drip irrigation, which ensures vines receive adequate hydration without water waste.
“We carefully manage our water sources, relying on glaciers and underground aquifers, and implement water conservation techniques such as mulching and using cover crops,” says van Houten. “Regular monitoring of vineyard conditions allows us to make timely adjustments in our management practices to better cope with changing climatic conditions.”
Having practiced biodiverse farming from the beginning, TILIA relies on native vegetation to create a more resilient vineyard ecosystem that can better withstand pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Along with plants, like the winery’s namesake tree, TILIA entrusts various native birds and bees to support the health of the vineyards through pollination and pest control. In fact, the winery has identified 37 native bee species in its vineyards, all of whom help create a harmonious ecosystem for the vines to thrive.
“Biodiversity reduces our reliance on chemical inputs by promoting natural pest control and soil fertility,” says van Houten, who adds that “healthier vines and soil contribute to the production of high-quality grapes, which is crucial for producing high-quality wines.”
The winery’s sustainability efforts extend well beyond the vineyards, though. TILIA’s longtime commitments also support the people who work the land and in the winery, as well as the neighboring communities. TILIA sponsors programs that support local high school students pursuing careers in viticulture; transportation services that help farmers travel to the vineyards; and summer camps and activities for the children of employees working during harvest.
“Investing in people is crucial because it fosters a loyal, skilled, and motivated team,” says van Houten. “This enhances productivity, quality, and the overall sustainability of our business. Happy and supported staff are more likely to contribute positively to our winery’s success and advocate for our wines.”
Looking Towards the Future
With an organic certification signifying TILIA’s growth and dedication to sustainable agriculture, the winery plans to develop new methods and technologies to improve sustainability in viticulture and winemaking beyond its estate. While the certification is “a great honor and validation of our commitment to environmentally responsible farming practices,” van Houten says, TILIA’s work is far from over.
“Our next major focus will be on further enhancing our climate resilience, innovating sustainable practices, and expanding our community engagement,” says van Houten. “Our goal is to inspire others to adopt similar practices and contribute to a more sustainable future for the wine industry.”
Dispatch
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