Winter is an important period, as it’s when the vines go into dormancy and prepare for the following season. Here are the main operations deployed this season :
- The prune
One of the most important operations in winter. It regulates vine growth, controls yield and improves grape quality. It consists of cutting off part of the shoots (branches) to guide the quantity and quality of grape production.
On the Côte Rôtie slopes, Syrah on stakes, we prune in “gobelet” (3 spurs with two eyes), and on some trellised areas in double cordons de Royat (4 spurs with two eyes).
In the Saint Joseph appellation, trellised, also with double Royat cordon (4 spurs with two eyes).
In Condrieu, for Viognier, single Guyot pruning with arching (1 rod with 8 eyes and a spur with 2 eyes).
On the plains and in areas more sensitive to frost, we have chosen to prune in 2 stages to reduce the risks.
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Soil maintenance
During winter, soil maintenance is also important for vine health. Soils are worked with winches and rotovators to eliminate weeds and allow water to penetrate more easily into the soil to nourish the vines. Soils can also be amended with fertilizers and nutrients to prepare the vines for the spring growing season.
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Plot maintenance and landscaping
This period of vegetative rest is ideal for maintenance and landscaping work.
We climb the drystone walls that support the chaillets on the hillsides. We’re working on the trellising that will allow the vines to rest on a support once they’ve grown.
Last but not least, the maintenance of paths and ditches to facilitate access to the various upcoming works, whatever the difficulty of the terrain.
These winter operations are crucial to ensure good vine growth and health over the coming season. They also lay the foundations for the long-term production of quality grapes.
We’re looking ahead to the spring and future green work, while keeping our sights set on entering the 2nd year of our conversion to organic farming.
Rain falls on vineyard 3 hours after prayer procession (vitisphere.com)
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