Pinot Noir

 
The vines are trained in different ways depending on their situation and the variety. We use “gobelet” or head-training for our Mourvèdre, which is planted in the traditional way and at traditional density (4,400 vines/ha), and for the stake-trained Pinot, which is planted at much higher density (7,000 vines/ha). The Cabernets (8,000 vines/ha) growing on narrow terraces are pruned using the Cordon de Royat method.
 
         
 

We deliberately limit yields by severe pruning during the winter and, if necessary, green harvesting in July. We leave grass cover in the fields to prevent soil erosion on the slopes and apply farming methods that respect the natural balance of the soil and plants, without the use of chemical pest or weedkiller – we spray with sulphur and a strict minimum of copper. We have suspended the application for organic certification we submitted in 2001 but we continue to use “traditional” farming methods.

 

 
Mourvèdre  - gobelets