*By Dr. Adolfo Murillo, Founder and CEO, Alquimia Tequila
Establishing an organic tequila brand begins with growing organic agave. At Alquimia Tequila, we have developed a comprehensive organic protocol that has proven remarkably successful, even in a non-hospitable area of Jalisco with minimal rainfall, extreme temperature variations, and limited topsoil. Our methods have enabled our agaves to set records for size, weight, and sugar content, consistently measuring 42 to 44 Brix units compared to the regional average of 25 Brix units. This exceptional sugar content contributes to a complex flavor profile with natural sweetness in our final product.
We’ve put together the following guide that describes the methods and principles that producers should follow to achieve similar success.
Selecting the Right Site
Where agave is grown makes a significant difference in the outcome. While agave is hardy and tolerant, thriving under a wide variety of conditions, achieving the best quality possible requires providing optimal growing conditions.
Layout of the Land
The land should have a gentle slope to allow rainwater to run off rather than pool around the roots, which causes root rot. If the slope is too pronounced, working the crop becomes significantly more difficult.
The slope should be oriented toward the winter morning sun because temperatures can drop considerably during winter, and freezing conditions could damage or even kill the agaves. The coldest part of the night typically occurs around 3 to 4 AM. When agaves are oriented toward the morning sun, they begin warming as soon as the sun rises. Otherwise, the plants remain cold for longer periods, resulting in greater damage.
The Perimeter
To protect the agave crop from runoff from neighboring farms and prevent contamination with toxic chemicals used by others, a ditch should be installed around the entire property to direct runoff away from the crop.
A sturdy fence should also be erected around the property, followed by a buffer zone that allows natural vegetation to grow. This serves as natural protection and creates a habitat for endemic insect populations to thrive.
The Rock Substrate
Ideally, the property should have a substantial amount of topsoil to sustain the agaves. Under this topsoil lies rock, which varies in type. Hard volcanic rock, which does not absorb water and is less hospitable to agave roots, should be avoided. Sandstone is ideal because it absorbs and stores moisture and contains multiple fissures that allow roots to grow deeper.
The Soil Itself
Hard, clay-type soil or soil that dries out too quickly and cracks should be avoided. The soil should contain some amount of organic matter, which helps nurture the plants and store moisture.
The Organic Process
For agave to be considered organic, all use of chemical fertilizers, toxic pesticides, weed-killers, and fungicides must be eliminated.
At Alquimia, we use well-composted chicken manure for our agaves. This is applied each spring and tilled into the soil close to the plant. Below the surface, a multitude of microorganisms feed on the manure, breaking it down and making nutrients more available to the agave plants. By avoiding pesticides and other agrochemicals, these organism populations grow year after year, making the soil progressively more fertile.
To conserve precious topsoil and prevent it from washing away during the rainy season, a strategic approach to weed management is essential. Rather than using weed-killers that leave soil completely bare, weeds should be allowed to grow to a certain height, then mowed down with a brush-hog type instrument. Leaving the excess stubble on the soil helps prevent runoff. Weeds close to agave plants should be cut down by hand and the mowed weeds should remain on the surface to act as natural mulch. After the rainy season, they can be tilled back into the soil, introducing additional organic material.
Careful records of soil nutrients should be maintained through laboratory testing, conducted minimally on an annual basis. This indicates whether major nutrient levels (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) are increasing.
When agaves grow in the most natural way possible, they become very healthy and develop their own natural resistance to pests and diseases. Any use of toxic pesticides requires ever-increasing concentrations as pests develop resistance to the chemicals, and agave plants will absorb these poisons every year throughout their seven-year lifetime.
Our healthy agaves at Alquimia have never required any pesticides. Occasionally, certain pests move into our fields, but natural allies are at the ready. By allowing natural vegetation to grow in the perimeter and between fields, beneficial insect populations remain prepared to attack any external pests that may threaten the agaves, quickly resolving the problem.
After a field of agave is harvested, it should lie fallow for two years, with natural vegetation allowed to grow. This helps replenish nutrients back into the soil prior to replanting. Planting beans or other nitrogen-fixing legumes is also recommended to give future agave plantings an extra boost. All leaves trimmed from the agaves should remain on the ground to act as natural mulch, eventually being tilled back into the soil.
Organic Certification
To have an agave crop certified as organic, producers must apply to a certification agency. We received our certification from the USDA, but Mexican and European certification agencies are also available. The application process involves submitting a minimum of three years’ worth of data, including information on fertilization methods, soil erosion prevention measures, water conservation, protection from contamination by runoff from neighboring farms, pest-control measures, and methods to replenish soil nutrients. Agave fields must then be inspected and recertified on an annual basis.
Certifying Organic Tequila
This is a separate certification that must be completed, usually at the same time as crop certification. Producers must submit proof that all non-organic production has been cleared out of the distillery to avoid cross-contamination. All equipment must be sterilized before the agave reaches the distillery. All use of chemical accelerators, enhancers, acid solvents, and similar additives must be strictly avoided.
Ultimately, using all-natural, organic methods to grow agave crops offers significant benefits. Growers will not only enrich and increase the productivity of their soil, but they will be able to produce tequila of the highest quality. As proof, Alquimia Tequila has been awarded a total of 80 Gold Medals at the two largest international spirits competitions, more than any other single brand of tequila.