Organic Agriculture

Global warming, threatened and endangered animals, exposure to agrochemical risks ... We could cite thousands of reasons to involve environmentally friendly methods.

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For many years, we have observed that the health of the planet is deteriorating. We could bury our heads in the sand and say it's not our problem. But our philosophy requires us to act and apply environmentally responsible practices, before it's too late.

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It all started in 2018 when we got the HVE and Terra Vitis labels. It was just a first step towards something more ambitious. We aimed further: we also launched the conversion to organic viticulture. Adapting the vines to organic work, mastering the winemaking with organic products or without inputs, many changes have taken place at the Château since then.

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Are you lost? Here are some explanations to make the difference:

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High Environmental Value
The HVE label recognizes farms committed to good environmental practices. It promotes environmentally friendly practices in winegrowing operations, in order to minimize the environmental impact of their agricultural activity. Level 3 requires and evaluates results in several areas: biodiversity, use of plant protection products, use of water resources and fertilization management.

 

Sustainable agriculture - Terra Vitis
The objective of sustainable agriculture is to optimize the economic result by controlling the quantities of inputs used. The key is to know your vineyard perfectly and to follow the weather forecast. Inputs are only applied when conditions are favorable to the installation of diseases in order to minimize the quantity of chemical products.

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Organic agriculture:
It excludes the use of synthetic chemicals, GMOs and limits inputs. Its ultimate goal is to preserve the quality of the soil, biodiversity, air and water quality. Synthetic products (pesticides, chemical fertilizers) are forbidden in the vineyard. The vinification also meets strict specifications such as the use of organic raw materials (sugar, yeast ...) or the lowering of maximum doses of sulfites.

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Biodynamic viticulture - Demeter
Biodynamic viticulture describes a set of viticultural practices based on a vision of the earth as a living whole, and seeks to energize the exchanges between the vine and its environment. Rather than treating the vine against diseases, the winegrower tries to correct the imbalance that causes them. According to the lunar calendar, preparations based on animal, vegetable or mineral materials are applied in small homeopathic doses.

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2022, a milestone of our estate
Now that everything is clear, it is with great pride and joy that we announce that the Château has officially obtained the AB label!  After 5 years of conversion, starting with the 2022 vintage, the vintages Le Petit Brennay (AOC Moulin-A-Vent), Bessay (AOC Juliénas), Les Moriers (AOC Fleurie) and our future white wine made from chardonnay are now labeled organic. And it's not over yet! Other vintages will follow and join this list...