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Maintaining Soil is a Long Term Project
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The main component of terroir, soil has to stay healthy and balanced to
ensure a vine’s good health and long life. |
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We work our land carefully, turning it four or five times a year to
aerate it without disrupting its natural structure and to encourage the
vines to grow their roots deep into the soil.
Keeping a close watch on the soil means we can maintain the level of
organic matter that is best adapted to each of our parcels. If we need
to, we add compost (sheep manure) to encourage the livelihood of the
micro lifeforms necessary for the vine’s vegetative cycle. |
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Before replanting a vineyard, we leave it to rest for five or six years, during
which time we grow cereals. When it’s time to replant, we are very careful
about choosing the clone and rootstock that will provide the highest level of
quality.
Growing Vines Means Paying Attention
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As with any living being, the vine needs constant
attention. Ever present in our vineyards, we watch
over the vines’ development and their health. Our
own weather station, located in the middle of the
domaine, gives us up-to-the-minute, precise weather
information throughout the day.
We take our time to physically work in the vines,
pulling off extra buds and leaves throughout the
Château’s vineyard area. When vines are young, we
regulate the amount that is produced by green
harvesting. Each of these tasks ensures that the
bunches left on the vine benefit from good air
circulation and are protected from disease risks.
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