The Working of the Vineyard

The ground is worked mechanically and the plants were alternately earthed-up and un-earthed for 3 years to encourage the establishing of a good root system. Now, with the aims of limiting the use of herbicides and to respect the soil, the surface of the ground below the rows is worked over mechanically, and the areas between the rows are grassed. As well as offering an aesthetically pleasing appearance, this grassing over guarantees consideration for the agronomic qualities of the land.

The vines were planted to a depth of 50 cm and were hard-pruned by the method known as ‘médocaine à plat’. The work was undertaken according to the requirements of each variety.

The control of cryptogams (non flower-producing plants) and pests is in line with agreed viticultural criteria, where each intervention is planned out, proven and checked according to level of risk, and always with a view to respecting the environment. In the future, a return to organic agriculture is envisaged. The deliberately reduced surface-area enables a method of viticulture in which every detail is important and where the natural cycle and the make-up of plant-life are honoured. It’s almost like gardening…