Cultivating the vine
Cultivating the vineyard
Every winter, in order to regulate foliage, the estate’s technical team prunes the vines following methods specifically adapted according to grape varieties, soil and microclimate.STRAIGHT SHOOT GRAPE VARIETIES
The local varieties (Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre) are called straight-shoots (with an upright bearing). They can be gobelet pruned. Gobelet pruning involves training the branches extending from a central trunk with the aim of spreading out and aerating the foliage and the grape clusters.
This kind of pruning is designed to curb production by using only the first two or three buds found at the base of the canes. The foliage forms a canopy shielding the berries from sunburn.
HANGING GRAPE VARIETIES
Hanging grape varieties (e.g. Syrah) are cordon pruned (Cordon de Royat). This short pruning makes it possible to control yields.
The tying up, which consists of stringing wire between two wooden posts, allows the vines to grow in height and be more aerated, thereby promoting leaf photosynthesis which results in enhanced berry coloration.
LEAF AND FRUIT THINNING
In July, the technical teams carry out a leaf-thinning on all planted plots, removing the leaves at grape bunch level to enhance aeration of the grapes. In August, after the onset of ripening (véraison), a fruit-thinning is executed by cutting some clusters.
This is done to reduce yield to heighten the quality and the concentration of the grapes.