Place
Vineyard working
We are committed to sustainable and precise winegrowing methods that allow us to optimize the tremendous potential of our different terroirs and ensure regular quality while respecting the environment.
A CONVERSION TO ORGANIC FARMING
In 2021, we decided to start our conversion to organic farming. This conversion, which lasts for a period of three years, will begin this year and will be completed in 2024, by which time we aim to have the entirety of our vineyards, both red and white varieties, certified as organically-farmed.
ECO-FRIENDLY SOIL MAINTENANCE
Our vines are weeded mechanically.
Since 2017, we no longer use organic fertilisers, except on rare occasions and then in a very limited way. Instead we use vegetal cover crops over the entirety of the estate, grown from seed between the vine rows.
Additionally, we don’t burn the freshly pruned vine shoots cut away during the winter. Instead, we mulch them into the vineyard soil, thereby providing nourishment for the vines without any added fertiliser.
PRECISION VINE-GROWING METHODS
The diversified nature of the soils and sub-soils requires workings that are specific to the vine plant according to soil moisture, soil-type and rooting. Our 60 vineyard plots are therefore managed individually.
Our vine-growing methods are adapted according to the phenolic phase of the vines and the typicity of the terroirs, so that the latter may express themselves fully. The work in the vineyard throughout the year is therefore carried out in step with the vine cycle stages.
ANCESTRAL WICKER-TYING OF THE VINE PLANTS
In 2019, we re-introduced the practice of tying the vines to their supports using wicker, cut from 100% French-grown pollarded willow trees, planted in the neighbouring commune of Barie, in Gironde. This ancestral practice requires genuine savoir-faire, which we are proud to help preserve.
MASSAL SELECTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE VINES’ GENETIC HERITAGE
Massal selection is a genetic selection method conducted by man, consisting in choosing old vines according to their individual performance.
One of our objectives is to work towards vegetative multiplication, and we began massal selection work in 2020. This will enable us to preserve the genetic heritage of Château Fleur Cardinale’s Cabernet Franc –mainly the old vines.
Ultimately, our aim is to create a conservatory of Cabernet Franc plants by 2024. If the massal selection results prove conclusive, we will vinify their grapes separately and then add the wine to the blend of Château Fleur Cardinale.
