THE SEASONS OF THE VINE
A noble and delicate fruit, the grape demands constant attention throughout the year. From its winter rest to the excitement of the harvest, the vine is the heart of our daily care.
Being a winegrower also means staying attuned to the weather and its challenges: thunderstorms, heavy winds, and hail. But the ultimate reward is witnessing nature blossom with power, vibrating in harmony with the seasons. At the end of this marvelous cycle lies the promise of a beautiful harvest.
November to February
Winter Rest
This is the period of vegetative rest, essential after the production season. As the vine sleeps, it is the perfect time for pruning. This is the first noble step in controlling yield and quality, consisting of carefully selecting and eliminating a portion of the canes (sarments).
March to April
The Rebirth
The vine awakens with budburst (débourrement). This is a crucial and anxious time for winegrowers, as we keep a close watch for spring frosts or devastating storms. During this period of rapid growth, we manage the future yield by controlling the number of buds.
May to July
Flowering & Trellising
About 30 days after budburst, the vine blossoms. This delicate period requires calm weather, as strong winds or high humidity can harm the flowering. Then comes the time for trellising (palissage), which ensures the vegetation is perfectly aligned. This allows the bunches to soak up the sun under optimal exposure.
July to August
Maturation
September
The Harvest
Finally, the harvest! The estate bustles with activity; it is the culmination of a year’s hard work. We harvest each plot separately to allow the unique expression of the terroir. To preserve the freshness of our whites and rosés and avoid oxidation, we harvest these grapes at night, between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM.
October to November
From Vine to Cellar
As the harvest concludes, the work in the cellar begins. We monitor fermentations daily and conduct frequent tastings to track the evolution of the future wines. This is followed by the art of blending and aging in oak barrels. While the cellar is alive with activity, the vines outside build up their reserves for the winter, ready to be reborn in the spring.
